Sacramento— The League of Women Voters of California recognizes that climate change has reached the level of an emergency and stands with youth in fighting for action in the international climate strike on September 20.

“Youth will be the hardest hit, yet youth do not have a vote in this time of crisis,” said Diz Swift, LWVC Climate Change Program Director. “Without urgent action on climate, we are risking the future of ourselves and our children. It’s time for decisive action. It’s time for all hands on deck.”

The League stands with youth, supporting the plaintiffs in Juliana vs. United States where youth claim their constitutional right to life, liberty and property free from government endangerment, and to hold the executive branch accountable for its role in failing to limit climate change. The League has filed three amicus briefs in support of the plaintiffs.

The League of Women Voters of California has been at the forefront of the climate effort, and now recognizes climate change as a key area for action to protect not only our planet, but also our democracy. Join our Climate Change Task Force helping communities across California act on climate change.

The League of Women Voters of the U.S. has a long history of fighting for environmental protection: lobbying for the Clean Water Act in the 1970s, the Clean Air Act in the 1980s, and in the late 2000s, lobbying vigorously for comprehensive legislation to control global climate change by setting a cap on greenhouse gas pollution and by encouraging conservation and renewable energy. The League welcomes youth members with full voting rights at the age of 16.

ABOUT THE LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS OF CALIFORNIA:
The League of Women Voters, a nonpartisan political organization, encourages informed and active participation in government, works to increase understanding of major public policy issues, and influences public policy through education and advocacy. Membership in the League is open to men and women of all ages. With almost 100 years of experience, the League is one of America’s most trusted grassroots organizations. More about the League of Women Voters of California.
###

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE August 20, 2019 - Contact: Elizabeth Leslie, League of Women Voters of California, 916-442-7215, eleslie @ lwvc.org