Protecting Our Air. Our Rights. Our Wisconsin.
What WeBreathe
Direct Support
Fifteen Wisconsin youth are suing the state over laws that prevent regulators from considering air pollution and climate impacts when approving fossil fuel power plants. The lawsuit seeks to enforce constitutional protections and could reshape Wisconsin’s authority to reject harmful fossil fuel projects and expand renewable energy development.
Overview
Drivers of Outrage
In Dunn v. Public Service Commission of Wisconsin, fifteen youth plaintiffs allege that provisions in Wisconsin law prevent regulators from considering air pollution and climate impacts when approving new fossil fuel-fired power plants — limiting the state’s ability to reject projects that harm public health, natural resources, and future generations. The lawsuit argues that these legal barriers are…
1,910PREMATURE DEATHS
Switching to 100% in-state clean energy in Wisconsin could prevent 1,910 premature deaths annually.(UW–Madison Global Health Institute, 2020)
<$127MANNUAL HEALTH COSTS
Together, two Wisconsin gas plants are projected to cause $80 to $127 million in annual health costs from respiratory and cardiovascular disease. (Healthy Climate Wisconsin)
4.5xMORE GAS USED
Wisconsin’s electricity sector dramatically increased its gas usage 4.5x between 2010 and 2023. (U.S. Energy Information Administration)
1,910PREMATURE DEATHS
Switching to 100% in-state clean energy in Wisconsin could prevent 1,910 premature deaths annually.(UW–Madison Global Health Institute, 2020)
<$127MANNUAL HEALTH COSTS
Together, two Wisconsin gas plants are projected to cause $80 to $127 million in annual health costs from respiratory and cardiovascular disease. (Healthy Climate Wisconsin)
4.5xMORE GAS USED
Wisconsin’s electricity sector dramatically increased its gas usage 4.5x between 2010 and 2023. (U.S. Energy Information Administration)
Funding the Action
On May 28, 2026, the youth plaintiffs filed their notice of appeal, contesting that energy laws are not above the court’s reach any more than laws affecting public health, education, or any other fundamental interest. As the national litigation organization that covers all legal fees, plaintiff support, and communications at no cost to families, Our Children’s Trust carries the vast majority of this case's financial burden and depends entirely on donor support to do so. Contributions will help support ongoing efforts to ensure that these children have the opportunity to protect their health, safety, and future in court.
Potential Outcomes
This campaign aims to secure constitutional protections for Wisconsin youth while challenging state laws that limit climate oversight and expand fossil fuel development. In the short term, the case seeks to affirm young people’s right to be heard in court. Longer term, it could restore the Wisconsin regulator authority to consider environmental impacts, help prevent new gas infrastructure, accelerate clean…
The court recognized that we are being harmed, yet refused to protect us...We are seeking accountability for government laws that endanger our lives, and we will not stop until our constitutional rights, and our future, are protected.”
The Bigger Picture
Timeline
Our Children's Trust
Our Children’s Trust is a nonprofit organization that partners with young people to advance constitutional climate litigation and secure their rights to a safe and healthy future. Grounded in climate science, youth leadership, and rights-based legal action, the organization brings cases in state, federal, and international courts while working alongside scientists, Indigenous leaders, medical professionals, and…