Montana judge supports young activists in historic climate case

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【Summary】Montana judge rules in favor of youth activists, declaring that the state's use of fossil fuels violates their constitutional rights. The policy used to evaluate fossil fuel permits is deemed unconstitutional for failing to consider greenhouse gas emissions. This landmark ruling establishes the government's duty to protect citizens from climate change. The state legislature now faces the challenge of bringing the policy into compliance.

FutureCar Staff Aug 14, 2023 5:33 PM PT

Montana judge supports young activists in historic climate case

A Montana judge has ruled in favor of youth activists who claimed that the state's use of fossil fuels violated their constitutional rights and had a detrimental impact on the environment. District Court Judge Kathy Seeley deemed the state's policy for evaluating fossil fuel permits as unconstitutional because it did not require agencies to assess the effects of greenhouse gas emissions.

Judge Seeley emphasized that Montana's emissions and climate change were proven to be significant factors in causing harm to the environment and the youth. This landmark ruling establishes a government duty to protect citizens from climate change, setting a precedent for future cases.

However, the implementation of the policy in compliance with the ruling is now the responsibility of the state legislature. This may prove challenging, as Montana is a state with a strong affinity for fossil fuels and Republican dominance.

Julia Olson, an attorney representing the youth and executive director of Our Children's Trust, hailed the ruling as a major victory for Montana, democracy, and the climate. She emphasized the urgency of the situation, particularly in light of the ongoing wildfires in the West that are fueled by fossil fuel pollution.

Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen's spokesperson, Emily Flower, criticized the ruling as "absurd" and announced the office's intention to appeal. Flower argued that the judge allowed the plaintiffs' attorneys to use the trial as a taxpayer-funded publicity stunt.

During the two-week trial in June, the attorneys for the 16 plaintiffs, all under the age of 22, presented evidence of the harmful effects of increasing carbon dioxide emissions on temperature, drought, wildfires, and the physical and mental health of young people. The state, on the other hand, contended that Montana's individual efforts to reduce CO2 emissions would have minimal global impact.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.