A New Mexico appeals court may overturn a ruling against a high school student's lawsuit against the state calling for air quality protection.
The New Mexico Court of Appeals heard arguments Tuesday in then-16-year-old Akilah Sanders-Reed's 2011 suit, saying the state is obligated to protect the public's air quality.
A state district judge ruled against Sanders-Reed, who is now a university student in Minnesota.
At the time, Sanders-Reed's lawsuit was one of many nationwide as part of an effort to hold states responsible for greenhouse gas emissions.
The suits argued using a legal concept known as the public trust doctrine.
The three-judge panel will decide if the state has a duty under that doctrine.
When they make a ruling has not been determined.
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Information from: The Santa Fe New Mexican, http://www.sfnewmexican.com
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