PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) – The Trump administration has gone to the U.S. Supreme Court in its effort to stop a lawsuit filed by young activists who say the government is failing to protect them from climate change.

Solicitor General Noel Francisco asked the court Tuesday to block further legal proceedings until the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals rules on the government’s latest request to have the lawsuit dismissed.

Smoke rises from the Colstrip Steam Electric Station, a coal burning power plant in Colstrip, Mont, July 1, 2013 (AP Photo/Matthew Brown, File)

The lawsuit brought by 21 children and young adults asserts the government has known for decades that carbon pollution causes climate change but has failed to curb greenhouse gas emissions. They are seeking various environmental remedies.

A non-jury trial is scheduled to begin Oct. 29 in Eugene, Oregon.

Petitioners Gabe Mandell, 14, center, and Adonis Williams, 12, look on as state Department of Ecology attorney Katharine G. Shirey speaks at a court hearing Tuesday, Nov. 22, 2016, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson)