Montana Supreme Court declares youth-led climate victory

Montana's Supreme Court has upheld a landmark ruling affirming young people's constitutional right to a "clean and healthful environment," striking down state laws that limited the review of greenhouse gas emissions and cementing the state's climate protections.

Micah Drew and Blair Miller report for the Daily Montanan.

In short:

• The court ruled 6-1 that Montana's constitution guarantees a stable climate, supporting a group of 16 youth plaintiffs who argued that state support of fossil fuels violated their rights.
• The decision overturns laws restricting environmental reviews, with the court citing the "substantial" role of Montana's greenhouse gas emissions in harming local ecosystems and public health.
• Critics, including Montana’s Republican governor, argue the ruling oversteps judicial authority and could lead to costly legal and energy challenges.

Key quote:

“This ruling is a victory not just for us, but for every young person whose future is threatened by climate change.”

— Rikki Held, lead plaintiff

Why this matters:

This historic decision demonstrates the power of constitutional rights in combating climate change, showing how legal action can drive accountability. This ruling could be a lifeline for a generation already breathing in the costs of inaction.

Read more: Youth v. Montana — Young adults speak up, and watch the video below.