news
From Common Dreams
Summary
The Montana Supreme Court upheld a ruling that the state’s promotion of fossil fuels violates the constitutional rights of youth to a safe and healthy climate. This landmark decision is seen as a significant victory for young climate activists, affirming their rights and emphasizing the state’s responsibility to protect the environment for future generations.
Highlights -🌍
- Court Ruling: Montana Supreme Court confirms youth’s constitutional rights to a livable climate. 🏛️
- Youth Activism: Plaintiffs celebrate the ruling as a victory for all young people facing climate threats. 🎉
- Clean Energy Future: Advocates call for a transition to clean energy, promoting economic benefits. ⚡
- Global Impact: The ruling is viewed as a motivation for youth-led climate actions worldwide. 🌐
- Environmental Responsibility: The court emphasizes Montana’s duty to prevent environmental degradation. 🌱
- Historical Precedent: This case sets a significant legal precedent in climate litigation. 📜
- Continued Opposition: State officials express disappointment, indicating ongoing political tensions regarding climate policy. ⚖️
Youth plaintiffs celebrated on Wednesday after the Montana Supreme Court upheld a judge’s August 2023 decision that the state government’s promotion of climate-wrecking fossil fuels violates the young residents’ state constitutional rights.
“This ruling is a victory not just for us, but for every young person whose future is threatened by climate change,” said Rikki Held, the named plaintiff for Held v. State of Montana, in a statement. “We have been heard, and today the Montana Supreme Court has affirmed that our rights to a safe and healthy climate cannot be ignored.”
Highlighting that “this will forever be in the court record, despite any continued rhetoric of denial coming from people in power in the state,” Grace, another plaintiff, said, “I am thrilled that the Montana Supreme Court has sided with Montana citizens to protect the people and the places we love.”
Another plaintiff, Olivia, welcomed the ruling as “a monumental win” and “a call to action for all Montanans.”
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Read the full post at Common Dreams.
