The state of Montana has taken the fortunate step of extending its landmark climate change litigation in one of the nation’s most high-profile legal cases on climate justice. Held v. State of Montana has garnered national and international attention as the first youth-led climate lawsuit to go to trial in the United States.
As the extended case unfolds, Montana’s Healthy Climate case will continue to be a focal point for the national conversation on climate justice. The outcome could redefine how states view constitutional rights, environmental protection, and economic interests in the face of a rapidly changing climate. The fight in Montana reflects the broader struggle to hold governments accountable for their role in addressing the climate crisis.
This is especially significant due to the current Trump administration’s efforts to pull out of the Paris Agreement, A legally binding treaty that shares the goal of preserving the fight against global warming.
The lawsuit was filed by 16 young Montanans in 2020, who alleged that the state’s energy policies violate their constitutional right to a “clean and healthful environment.” This right is enshrined in Montana’s Constitution, making the state one of the few in the U.S. to have such explicit environmental protections.
They argued that the state’s promotion of fossil fuels contributed to climate change, worsening wildfires, air quality, droughts, and other environmental crises, disproportionately affecting younger generations.
In August 2023, the court ruled in favor of the youth, finding that Montana’s fossil fuel policies were unconstitutional. The ruling was celebrated as a significant moment for climate litigation, but the state has since filed an appeal, extending the legal battle and delaying potential policy reforms.
Montana’s decision to extend the case is based upon its broader implications for energy policy and economic priorities. The state government, which relies heavily on revenue from coal, oil, and gas, has resisted sweeping policy changes that could disrupt its fossil fuel-based economy.
Governor Greg Gianforte’s administration argues that transitioning away from fossil fuels too quickly could have severe economic consequences, particularly in rural communities dependent on energy sector jobs.
Montana’s appeal has brought the case into sharper focus on a national level. The outcome of the extended proceedings could set a precedent for other climate lawsuits, especially in states where environmental protections are constitutionally guaranteed.
