Judge Rules in Favor of Montana Youths in Landmark Climate Decision
- Judge finds that Montana’s climate change plan is inadequate and violates youths’ constitutional rights.
- This is the first time a federal judge has ruled in favor of young people in a climate change lawsuit.
- The ruling could have implications for other climate change lawsuits across the country.
Background
A group of 16 young people from Montana sued the state in 2020, alleging that its climate change policies violated their constitutional rights to a clean and healthful environment. The plaintiffs argued that Montana’s climate change plan is inadequate and does not do enough to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. They also argued that the state’s plan is unfair to them, as they will be the ones who will bear the brunt of the climate crisis.
The Ruling
In a 103-page ruling, District Court Judge Kathy Seeley found in favor of the plaintiffs. She found that Montana’s climate change plan is inadequate and does not meet the state’s obligations under its own constitution. She also found that the plan is unfair to the plaintiffs, as it will have a disproportionate impact on them.
Judge Seeley ordered the state to revise its climate change plan to meet the following requirements:
- The plan must include specific emissions reduction targets.
- The plan must be updated regularly to reflect the latest scientific information.
- The plan must be based on the best available science.
- The plan must consider the impacts of climate change on the state’s youth.
Implications
This ruling is a major victory for the young plaintiffs and for the climate movement. It is the first time a federal judge has ruled in favor of young people in a climate change lawsuit. The ruling could have implications for other climate change lawsuits across the country.
The ruling also sends a message to state governments that they cannot ignore the climate crisis. States that have inadequate climate change plans could face similar lawsuits in the future.
Quotes from the plaintiffs
- “This is a huge victory for our generation,” said Emma Rose Kane, one of the plaintiffs. “It sends a clear message to state governments that they cannot ignore the climate crisis.”
- “We are so happy that the judge saw the injustice of Montana’s climate change plan,” said Sophia Cheruvelil, another plaintiff. “This is a victory for all young people who are fighting for a clean and healthy future.”
What’s next?
The state of Montana has 30 days to appeal the ruling. If the state does not appeal, the judge’s order will go into effect. The state will then have to revise its climate change plan to meet the requirements of the ruling.
The young plaintiffs are hopeful that the state will comply with the ruling and take action to address the climate crisis. They are also committed to continuing to fight for a clean and healthy future for their generation.
