news
"Montana’s High Court Considers a Constitutional Right to a Stable Climate" originally appeared on Inside Climate News, a nonprofit, independent news organization that covers climate, energy and the environment.
Summary
- A landmark climate change lawsuit in Montana reached the Supreme Court, with arguments that a state law promoting fossil fuel development violated constitutional rights to a clean environment
- The lawsuit by 16 youths aimed to block a law prohibiting agencies from considering climate impacts when approving fossil fuel projects
- The case is significant in establishing constitutional rights to a stable climate, with potential impacts beyond Montana
By Nicholas Kusnetz, Najifa Farhat
A landmark climate change lawsuit reached Montana’s Supreme Court on Wednesday, with the justices hearing arguments that a state law promoting fossil fuel development violated Montanans’ constitutional rights.
The case was heard in a Helena courtroom filled to capacity with spectators, as temperatures outside closed in on 100 degrees.
At issue was the appeal of a decision last year, when a Montana judge blocked a state law that prohibited agencies from considering climate impacts when deciding whether to approve fossil fuel projects such as new power plants, pipelines or mining. The ruling, by District Judge Kathy Seeley, was prompted by a lawsuit filed by 16 youths who argued that the law violated Montana’s constitutional right to a “clean and healthful environment.”
[…]
Read the full post at Inside Climate News.
