Sixteen young Montanans have sued their state saying that official support for the fossil fuel industry violates the state's constitution.
The lawsuit alleges that the constitution's guarantee of "the right to a clean and healthful environment" is endangered by oil and gas extraction and climate change.
The claim, which was filed in 2020, also focuses on language in the constitution stipulating that Montana and its residents are responsible for maintaining the natural environment "for present and future generations."
- In 2011, a non-profit called Our Children's Trust petitioned the Montana Supreme Court to weigh in on whether Montana has an obligation to address climate change.
- After the court declined to hear the petition, lawyers for Our Children's Trust began to pursue litigation in lower courts.
- Montana disputes the scientific consensus showing that burning fossil fuels has caused climate change.
- The state also denies that rising temperatures are causing extreme weather events in Montana.
- The trial, which will be the first in the state on constitutional climate protections, is set to start on June 12 in Helena, the state capital of Montana.
The provision about protecting the environment was added to the Montana state constitution in 1972.
- The constitutional reform aimed to reduce the political influence of mining industries.
