Montana's youth take a stand for environmental rights

In a significant legal battle over Montana’s environmental policy, young plaintiffs push back against the state’s Supreme Court appeal, defending their right to a cleaner future.

Blair Miller reports for Daily Montanan.

In short:

• Youth plaintiffs argue that Montana’s constitution mandates a clean environment, refuting the state’s appeal against a ruling that favored environmental protections.
• They highlight the 1972 Constitution framers’ intent to empower courts in safeguarding Montanans’ environmental rights.
• The state’s contention that local greenhouse gas emissions have a minimal global impact is challenged by the plaintiffs, emphasizing the importance of addressing local environmental degradation.

Key quote:

“As the trial record and District Court’s Order make clear, this case is about harm to Montana’s environment, natural resources and climate (and consequently its children) caused by [greenhouse gas] pollution and climate change.”

— Attorneys for the plaintiffs in Held v. Montana

Why this matters:

Fueled by a sense of urgency and a demand for action on climate change, young climate activists are leveraging lawsuits to push for more aggressive environmental protections and policy reforms. The legal actions spearheaded by these young Americans are not just symbolic gestures but are grounded in the belief that current and future generations have the constitutional right to a stable climate and a healthy environment.