In an extraordinary act of courage and determination, 15 children in Wisconsin—ranging in age from just 8 to 17—filed a constitutional lawsuit yesterday against the Wisconsin Public Service Commission and the Wisconsin Legislature. Their case, Dunn v. Wisconsin Public Service Commission, marks a historic moment in the fight for climate justice, led not by politicians or corporations but by the very generation that will inherit the consequences of today’s energy decisions.
The Rights at the Heart of the Lawsuit
These young plaintiffs aren’t just making a symbolic statement; they are invoking the most fundamental rights guaranteed by the Wisconsin Constitution:
- The right to life
- The right to safety
- The right to a stable climate and access to clean natural resources
They argue that laws currently in place directly undermine these rights by promoting fossil fuel dependency while actively blocking the expansion of clean, renewable energy. For children who will face the brunt of worsening wildfires, floods, air pollution, and ecological collapse, the stakes could not be higher.
What the Lawsuit Challenges
The case—brought forward with the support of Our Children’s Trust, local Wisconsin counsel, and Midwest Environmental Advocates—targets laws that:
- Ban regulators from considering climate and air pollution impacts when approving fossil fuel power plants.
- Prevent regulators from expanding Wisconsin’s renewable energy portfolio, even though solar and wind are now the most cost-effective energy sources available.
- Lock Wisconsin into a fossil-fuel-dominated electricity sector, perpetuating climate pollution that violates citizens’ rights to life, liberty, and the use of state waters.
This legal challenge strikes at the heart of the contradiction: Wisconsin has pledged to fully decarbonize its electricity sector by 2050, yet today more than 75% of its electricity still comes from fossil fuels. These outdated laws don’t just slow progress—they obstruct it, ensuring that corporate fossil fuel interests win out over the health and future of Wisconsin’s children.
Why Youth Are Leading the Fight
It’s no accident that this lawsuit is being led by children. Young people are disproportionately impacted by climate change and will live longest with the consequences of political inaction. They’re stepping up because older generations have failed to do so at the pace and scale required.
For these 15 plaintiffs, this isn’t just about energy policy—it’s about survival. Their lawsuit is a direct demand for government accountability, insisting that decision-makers prioritize a stable and livable climate over short-term profits from fossil fuels.
At Sustainable Action Now, we see this as part of a broader global movement where youth are rising to defend their future. From Greta Thunberg’s climate strikes to local communities organizing for clean energy, the message is clear: our youth refuse to accept a broken system.
Learn more about youth activism and why empowering the next generation is critical for climate justice at our dedicated page on Our Youth.
A Potential Game-Changer for Wisconsin and Beyond
If successful, this lawsuit could fundamentally reshape how Wisconsin regulates its energy sector. By overturning these harmful laws, regulators would regain the power to:
- Consider the full environmental and public health impacts of fossil fuel plants.
- Prioritize renewable energy expansion in line with cost-effectiveness and climate goals.
- Protect the constitutional rights of Wisconsin’s citizens—especially its youngest.
This case could set a precedent for other states where outdated laws continue to tether communities to polluting, unsustainable energy systems.
Why Every Day Matters
Climate change is not a distant threat—it is here, now, and accelerating. For Wisconsin’s youth, every day that lawmakers delay action is another day their future becomes more precarious. That’s why this lawsuit is not just a legal battle; it’s a moral one.
The courage of these 15 young plaintiffs should inspire all of us to take action. Whether by demanding cleaner policies, supporting renewable energy, or standing with youth-led climate initiatives, we each have a role to play in protecting our planet.
How You Can Support
- Share their story. Spread the word about this historic lawsuit and the inspiring youth behind it.
- Hold leaders accountable. Demand that your elected officials support renewable energy and climate justice.
- Support organizations on the frontlines. Groups like Our Children’s Trust, Sustainable Action Now, and environmental legal advocates are driving change that protects future generations.
- Empower youth. Learn more about how young people are shaping the climate movement and support their efforts here: Our Youth.
Final Thoughts
These 15 children in Wisconsin are showing us what leadership looks like in the face of crisis. They are refusing to be silent, refusing to accept the status quo, and refusing to inherit a broken climate system without a fight.
Their lawsuit is more than a legal case—it is a rallying cry for justice, a reminder that the rights to life, safety, and a stable climate are not negotiable.
At Sustainable Action Now, we stand with them. Will you?
✨ Together, we can ensure the future belongs to our children—not to fossil fuels.
