Youth Climate Activists Take Montana to Trial Seeking Constitutional Protection of Healthy Environment

A lawsuit going to trial in Montana centers around whether a constitutional right to a healthy, livable climate is protected by state law.
The environmental firm bringing the lawsuit has enlisted 16 young plaintiffs ranging in age from 5 to 22 to highlight how young people are harmed by climate change now and will be further affected in the future.
The trial is expected to last two weeks and could result in a declaratory judgment saying officials violated the state Constitution, but would not require any particular action by the state government.
A ruling in favor of the Montana plaintiffs could have ripple effects and give guidance to judges in other states, which could impact upcoming trials.
The lawsuit enlists 16 young plaintiffs ranging in age from 5 to 22 to highlight how young people are harmed by climate change now and will be further affected in the future.