Last December, the Montana Supreme Court upheld a district court ruling that state actions allowing the continuation of a fossil fuel-based energy system violate the constitutional right to a clean and healthy environment, particularly for young people. In a 6-1 decision, the high court determined that Montana’s constitutional guarantee of the right to a healthy environment includes a “stable climate.”

The landmark ruling is part of the country's first constitutional trial on climate change.
In it, a group of 16 young people—represented by Our Children's Trust and the Western
Environmental Law Center argued that the State was violating its constitutional right to a
a healthy environment by promoting the fossil fuel industry and exacerbating the effects
of the climate crisis. “This ruling is a victory not only for us, but for everyone
“Young people whose future is threatened by climate change,” Rikki said in a statement.
Held, plaintiff in the case.

The Supreme Court also ruled that state laws prohibiting
take into account greenhouse gas emissions or climate impacts in the
decisions on permits for the fossil industry, as well as those that prevent the
constitutional resources in the courts.

“This ruling clarifies that the Constitution establishes a clear directive for Montana
reduce its greenhouse gas emissions, which are among the highest in the
country per capita, and to make the transition to a future of clean and renewable energy,”
“ declared Melissa Hornbein, an attorney with the Western Environmental Law Center, in a statement.

 

More information here and here .