15 minors suing the state over climate change

Fifteen young people from across Wisconsin are suing the Wisconsin State Legislature and Public Service Commission over climate change. The plaintiffs, who range in age from 8 to 17, hail from across the state. They are represented by Midwest Environmental Advocates and Our Children’s Trust, which filed the constitutional lawsuit on Friday in Dane County Court. The lawsuit centers on the Public Service Commission, which regulates the approval of new power plant construction in Wisconsin. Currently, if Wisconsin gets at least 10% of its energy from renewable sources, then it is against state law for the Commission to consider air pollution when approving new power plants. State law also prohibits the commission from requiring an increase in renewable energy production, if the 10% mark is met. Midwest Environmental Advocates said it hopes to bring the case to trial within a year.