Sixteen young people (ages 5-22) had an immeasurable impact on the future of climate litigation this past summer. The case, Held v. State of Montana, struck down two state laws preventing state agencies from considering the potential climate impacts of emissions from fossil fuel extraction projects. Though a relatively specific decision, the case is the first of its kind and will serve as a powerful legal precedent for similar litigation pending in Utah, Virginia, Hawaii, Alaska, and on the Federal level.
The plaintiffs—Taleah H., Lillian and Ruby D., Claire V., Nathaniel and Jeffrey K., Olivia V., Mica K., Eva L., Grace G., Georgianna F., Badge and Lander B., Kian T., Sariel S. and Rikki H—are all Montana natives hailing from communities across the state, from the Flathead Indian Reservation to Livingston. (As most are minors, names are redacted for their privacy.) They grew up with a deep love for their state and its unparalleled natural landscape, where they’ve spent their lives hiking, fishing and skiing. But many suffer from asthma or other health conditions resulting from the wildfires, extreme temperatures, and smoke conditions caused by climate change. Others have had their homes destroyed due to unprecedented fires and floods.
