Montana judge rules state violated youths' constitutional right to clean environment with fossil fuel policies

A Montana judge ruled that state agencies violated young people's right to a clean environment under the state's constitution by permitting fossil fuel projects without considering climate impacts.
The decision establishes a legal duty for the government to protect citizens from climate change harms.
The judge found Montana's policy of not evaluating greenhouse gas emissions when reviewing fossil fuel permits unconstitutional.
The ruling supports similar lawsuits elsewhere and pressures states to account for climate impacts in energy policy.
Montana officials plan to appeal the decision in the fossil fuel-friendly state.