Montana Supreme Court Upholds Youth-Led Climate Case in Landmark Ruling

The court ruled that the state violated its constitutional duty to ensure a clean environment by disregarding climate impacts in fossil fuel permits.

The Montana Supreme Court, in a 6-1 decision, upheld a 2023 ruling that the state violated its constitution by failing to consider climate impacts in energy project approvals.
The case, brought by 16 young plaintiffs, argued that Montana's Environmental Policy Act, which barred climate considerations in permitting, was unconstitutional.
The court rejected the state’s argument that Montana's emissions are insignificant globally, emphasizing the state's duty to protect citizens' right to a clean environment.
Governor Greg Gianforte criticized the ruling, warning it could lead to increased lawsuits, higher energy costs, and challenges to Montana's energy policies.
Legal experts view the decision as a potential precedent for youth-led climate lawsuits nationwide, reinforcing constitutional environmental protections.