How often does a lawsuit with 16 plaintiffs between the ages of 5 to 22 get noticed? News outlets from CNN to the front page of The Washington Post signal the historic nature of a trial centering on the climate crisis. The ruling prioritizes a child-first orientation and human rights obligation reflecting the Constitution of the State of Montana that “The state and each person shall maintain and improve a clean and healthful environment in Montana for present and future generations”.
U.S. District Court Judge Kathy Seeley in her 103-page decision found that
“young Montana residents have experienced past and ongoing injuries resulting from the State’s failure to consider [greenhouse gas emissions] and climate change, including injuries to their physical and mental health, homes and property, recreational, spiritual, and aesthetic interests, tribal and cultural traditions, economic security, and happiness.”
If upheld by the Montana Supreme Court, it will reverse a recently passed state law that prohibits state agencies from considering the impact of global warming and pollution during the permit process for fossil fuel projects.
Eva, one of the plaintiffs, says
“I’m so speechless right now. I’m really just excited and elated and thrilled. I cannot believe the ruling. I’m just so relieved. I feel so grateful to have worked with every single person who has been involved in this. Everybody from Our Children’s Trust is just amazing. They’re all so wonderful. And I have so much love and appreciation for the other youth plaintiffs because they’re just so fantastic and such wonderful people. And we together have done this amazing thing and it’s just so wonderful.”
The camaraderie evident between the attorneys and other young plaintiffs also is happening now in Hawaii, Utah, Virginia and other states. This rare courtroom collaboration is captured in the superb Youth v. Gov documentary about the pending Federal youth-led lawsuit. Check out of our blog from a year ago that highlights two candid moments in the film which showcase genuine intergenerational interdependence. These clips will make your heart sing!
Learn more:
Youth Infusion 