Montana Supreme Court backs teens, foils governor
In August 2023, sixteen young Montanans sued their state over climate change and emerged victorious as a judge ruled in a first-of-its-kind climate trial. At that trial, the teens argued that the state constitution’s requirement “to maintain and improve a clean and healthful environment” was being ignored.
Montana’s governor and three state agencies appealed the August ruling to the Montana Supreme Court. In January 2024, the state’s Supreme Court upheld the original decision and stated that Montana officials must “immediately comply.”
Unfortunately, that doesn’t mean the fight is over. In the original decision, the judge said it would be the Montana Legislature's responsibility to comply with the state’s policies. One party dominates the legislature, and they are fossil fuel-friendly rather than clean air-friendly so plenty of foot-dragging is expected.
Three cheers for these dedicated teens. Read about them in this AP article.
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Well Street
Thank you for posting this article. I was wondering which way the state's Supreme Court would rule.
Despite the likelihood that the legislature will do little to comply promptly, the young plaintiffs' courage, vision, and resolve are most admirable.
Slipstream
I agree. They're pushing hard on the state to live up to its constitution.