Montana Youth Sue State Over Climate Change Policies

The latest trial in a series of yet unsuccessful court actions continues Tuesday as more than a dozen young people in Montana – which has the largest coal reserves in the country – accuse their state of enacting legislation that benefits the fossil fuel industry to the detriment of the state’s natural landmarks, wildlife and residents.... [+]Key Facts

Sixteen plaintiffs, ranging in age from 5 to 22, say Montana officials have violated their state’s constitutional right to a"clean and healthful environment” by repeatedly choosing to support the fossil fuel industry over cleaner energy alternatives.

The plaintiffs ask the court to confirm that Montana's fossil fuel energy policies and actions are a constitutional violation – and demand the state transition to clean energy no later than 2050. Previous attempts to force climate action on behalf of young people have failed in Alaska, Florida, Washington and Pennsylvania.Republican Attorney General Austin Knudsen last week petitioned the court to have the lawsuit dismissed in light of a recent legislative revision to the Montana Environmental Policy Act. The change bars state agencies from evaluating any “greenhouse gas emissions and corresponding impacts to the climate.” The state Supreme Court denied Knudsen’s request.74 billion tons.

he's not sure a judge even has the power to tell the government to address climate change, adding the

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