Opinion ID: 1302318
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: Equitable Claims

Text: We also find that Blue Cross has standing to seek the equitable relief pled in its complaint in the form of claims of performance of another's duty to the public and unjust enrichment. Our conclusion is based upon the well-established notion of associational standing, which recognizes that an organization may sue to redress injuries to itself or injuries to its members. This court adopted this theory in No Power Line, Inc. v. Minnesota Envtl. Quality Council, 311 Minn. 330, 334, 250 N.W.2d 158, 160 (1976) and Snyder's Drug Stores, Inc. v. Minnesota State Bd. of Pharmacy, 301 Minn. 28, 221 N.W.2d 162 (1974). Our approach is derived from the seminal case of Hunt v. Washington State Apple Advertising Comm'n, 432 U.S. 333, 343, 97 S.Ct. 2434, 2441, 53 L.Ed.2d 383 (1977), where the U.S. Supreme Court found standing for a state agency which, in its capacity as representative of the state apple industry, challenged another state's agricultural regulation. We reject defendant tobacco companies' argument that Blue Cross does not come within the reach of associational standing because it has no members. This reading of the theory is too narrow in light of our approval of standing as to the plaintiff Minnesota Public Interest Research Group, also without members, in Snyder's Drug Stores, Inc., 301 Minn. at 32, 221 N.W.2d at 165. Furthermore, our approach is consistent with federal cases which relax requirements for associational standing where the relief sought is equitable only. See Warth v. Seldin, 422 U.S. 490, 515, 95 S.Ct. 2197, 2213, 45 L.Ed.2d 343 (1975); United Auto. Workers v. Brock, 477 U.S. 274, 287, 106 S.Ct. 2523, 2531, 91 L.Ed.2d 228 (1986). Thus, while we determine that Blue Cross has standing to pursue the equitable claims pled in its complaint, we note that such standing is limited to pursuit of injunctive relief on these claims. In sum, we find that plaintiff's complaint has sufficient strength to go forward on its consumer protection and equitable relief claims. Therefore, we affirm the trial court's denial of the defendant tobacco companies' motion to dismiss for failure to state a claim and for lack of standing with respect to all of plaintiff's claims, save the tort claim. On the tort claim, we reverse the trial court and remand for proceedings consistent with this opinion. PAGE and STRINGER, JJ., took no part in the consideration or decision of this case.