Montana Youth Climate Lawsuit Sets Precedent for Environmental Rights

Sixteen young plaintiffs in Montana have successfully overturned a state law that violated their constitutional rights to a healthy environment, in a case represented by Our Children's Trust. Although the decision is state-specific, it is seen as a major victory and could have persuasive authority in other climate lawsuits. The federal case in Oregon, Juliana v. United States, which accuses the government of promoting fossil fuels and contributing to climate change, could benefit from the Montana ruling. The plaintiffs in the Oregon case are asking for a drastic reduction in emissions, and a trial date has yet to be scheduled.