Another Climate Lawsuit Loses, American Energy Wins
The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals delivered another win for American energy by rejecting youth climate activists’ attempt to revive a lawsuit challenging President Trump’s pro-energy agenda.
The court refused to rehear Lighthiser v. Trump, leaving intact a ruling that the 22 plaintiffs lacked standing to challenge executive orders intended to expand domestic energy production, support American coal, and remove unnecessary permitting barriers.
The Daily Caller reports,
“The 22 plaintiffs, from Montana, Oregon, Hawaii, California and Florida, filed Lighthiser v. Trump in Montana District Court in May 2025. In October 2025, the Montana court dismissed the youths’ lawsuit for lack of jurisdiction, despite finding “overwhelming evidence” that “climate change” will harm the plaintiffs in the future and defining the situation as “children’s health emergency.” The plaintiffs appealed the dismissal to the Ninth Circuit in June 2026, with a three-judge panel affirming the Montana court’s decision. The plaintiffs then petitioned for en banc review in July, asking the full Ninth Circuit to reconsider the panel’s ruling.”
At a time when electricity demand is rising and affordability remains a major concern, America needs more reliable and affordable energy, not activist lawsuits. President Trump’s energy agenda focuses on producing more American energy and removing barriers that have hindered development. The Ninth Circuit’s decision allows that important work to continue.
August 12, 2026