The court said the nearly two dozen young people who were trying to force action by the government on climate change did not have standing to sue. The judges said climate change is a political issue.

The Harvard law professor told NPR he will present constitutional arguments during the Senate trial — but will not be involved in other strategic decisions.

Officials said they want to “ensure the program continues.” To that end, the department has reviewed “how we can use our resources to do enhanced vetting.”

At issues are state attempts to penalize electoral college delegates who fail to vote for the presidential candidate they were pledged to support.