The Montana Supreme Court upheld a landmark trial court decision in favor of 16 young people who said their health and futures were being jeopardized by climate change that the state aggravates through its permitting of energy projects. SEE ALSO:Judge dismisses youth cli...
The lawsuit filed in 2020 by 16 Montanans —who are now ages 7 to 23 — was considered a breakthrough in attempts by young environmentalists and their attorneys to use the courts to leverage action on climate change. “This ruling is a victory not just fo...
The most recent example is Held v Montana –the historic climate trial in which 16 young plaintiffs took the state of Montana to trial for violating their constitutional rights to a 'clean and healthful environment'. The youth argued that Bill No. 971 the Montana Environmental Policy Act, ...
said Seeley's findings, including that climate change is a serious health and environmental threat, could "become an inspiration" for lawsuits in states with similar constitutional provisions and make it more difficult for defendants to wave away climate concerns. ...
She said the state’s failure to consider greenhouse gas emissions and climate change had harmed the young people’s mental and physical health as well as their recreational interests, cultural traditions, economic security and happiness. “The evidence we put on trial shows how greenhouse gas emis...
Youth plaintiffs in the climate change lawsuit, Held vs. Montana, arrive at the Lewis and Clark County Courthouse, on June 20, 2023, in Helena, Mont., for the final day of the trial. (Thom Bridge/Independent Record via AP, File) ...
Seeley wrote in the ruling that "Montana's emissions and climate change have been proven to be a substantial factor in causing climate impacts to Montana's environment and harm and injury" to the youth. However, it's up to the state legislature to determine how to bring the policy into co...
from climate scientists to energy analysts and public health experts, painstakingly demonstrated in varying ways how climate change was impacting the humans and ecosystems of Montana, and each ended by reminding the court that these changes could be prevented or ameliorated by intentional action. Many...
The economy and the coronavirus pandemic were top of mind for many voters in Montana. Thirty-two percent said the economy is the most important issue facing the country today. Thirty-one percent named the coronavirus pandemic. Nine percent named health care, 7% named climate change and 6% named...
fuel as its primary energy resource — is contributing to a deteriorating climate and violating the children'sright to a clean and healthful environmentguaranteed in the state's constitution. By doing so, the lawsuit alleges, Montana is interfering with the children's health, safety, and ...