In what is being hailed as a landmark decision, District Court Judge Kathy Seeley ruled in favor of young environmental activists in the climate change lawsuit, Held vs. Montana. The lead plaintiff, Rikki Held, was present at the hearing held at the Lewis and Clark County Courthouse in Helena, Montana, on June 20, 2023. The ruling marked a significant victory for these brave youths, standing up for their constitutional right to a clean environment.
Judge Seeley stated that the state agencies of Montana were in violation of this constitutional right by permitting fossil fuel development. Furthermore, she found the state’s policy of not evaluating the impact of greenhouse gas emissions when granting fossil fuel permits to be unconstitutional.
The team of lawyers representing the 16 plaintiffs, aged between 2 to 18, presented compelling evidence demonstrating the adverse effects of rising carbon dioxide emissions. These include hotter temperatures, increased drought and wildfires, and reduced snowpack. These environmental changes have reportedly been affecting the plaintiffs’ mental and physical health.
Despite the state’s argument that Montana’s CO2 production did not have a global effect, Judge Seeley deemed Montana’s greenhouse gas emissions to be significant. She also noted the feasibility and economic benefits of renewable energy.
The lawsuit argues that Montana’s fossil fuel policies are exacerbating climate change and therefore violating the constitutional rights of the plaintiffs to a clean environment. The state’s support for fossil fuel development is claimed to contribute to climate change, thereby threatening the region’s rivers and agriculture through reduced snowpack.
This case is not isolated. It is part of a national wave of youth-led legal actions aiming to combat climate change. Similar lawsuits have been filed in other states including Alaska, Oregon, and Washington. The young plaintiffs of Held vs. Montana have set a precedent, demonstrating the power of youth activism in the fight against climate change. Their victory is another significant step towards ensuring the preservation of our environment for future generations.
