montana youth win

In a historic first, Judge Kathy Seeley ruled wholly in favor of the 16 youth in Held v. State of Montana

In March 2020, 16 young people from across the state of Montana filed a constitutional climate lawsuit against their own state government.

They sued because their government has been promoting and supporting the extraction and burning of fossil fuels, worsening the climate crisis, and harming the youth. They sued because their state government has been violating the youth’s equal rights to a healthy environment, life, dignity, and freedom.

They turned to the courts to protect their rights, asking a judge to declare that Montana’s fossil fuel energy policies and actions violate the youth’s state constitutional rights.

From June 12—20, 2023, the eyes of the world were on Helena, Montana as the youth plaintiffs brought their case to court for the first ever constitutional climate trial in U.S. history.

Alongside renowned experts and witnesses, twelve of the youth took the stand and testified about how they are being harmed by their own government’s policies that ignore climate change and promote the use of fossil fuels.

Montanans from across the state gathered in Helena to cheer on the youth and pack the courtroom, while thousands more watched trial proceedings live online.

In August 2023, Judge Seeley ruled wholly in favor of the youth, enshrining into law science-based protections for children’s fundamental rights. In December 2024, the Montana Supreme Court upheld Judge Seeley’s decision.

Filing Date

3/13/20

Judge

kathy seeley

Location

helena, mt

Days of Trial

7

Plaintiffs

16

Experts

12

Counsel

4

Co-Counsel

3

Because of their unique vulnerability, their stages of development as youth, and their average longevity on the planet in the future, Plaintiffs face lifelong hardships resulting from climate change.

— Judge Kathy Seeley

see what happened at trial

With little time remaining to avoid locking in irreversible climate impacts, we believe judicial intervention is essential to protect these children and the environment and natural resources they depend on for their well-being and very survival.

— Dr. Steven Running

meet the experts

I am experiencing climate dangers getting worse each year, but my state government keeps pushing for more fossil fuels extraction and burning.

— Claire Vlases

meet the youth plaintiffs

In the courtroom, the truth still matters.

— Nate Bellinger, Supervising Senior Staff Attorney

Meet the Legal Team

25

Montana organizations powered democracy, adopting days of trial filling the courtroom, cheering on the Plaintiffs, and hosting events

358

total pieces of global media coverage told the story of Held from trial to decision

683

pages were submitted to the court in the form of expert reports distilling decades of scientific research into understandable content

what’s next?

This historic decision is just the beginning. Together, we are working to ensure enforcement and implementation by collaborating with grassroots organizations, Tribes, and communities to enforce the Held v. Montana climate rights victory, halt new fossil fuel projects, and advance clean energy. We will continue to uplift the voices of youth from Montana’s diverse communities and educate the public about their climate rights, empowering all to demand action and accountability. By working collectively, we are protecting young Montanans’ rights and paving the way for a just, sustainable future.

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