A group of young activists sued the Montana government for promoting laws that harm the environment. 

This group of children and young people defeated the Montana state government in a lawsuit against laws that promote fossil fuels. These laws ignore the collateral effects on the environment and the right of inhabitants to live in a clean and healthy natural environment.

The activists, therefore, accused the state government of cooperating with climate change through its energy policies. This lawsuit was filed three years ago by young people who claimed to have their lives and liberties at stake, including their constitutional rights to live in a clean and healthy environment, to equal protection of the law, to individual dignity, and to safety, health, and happiness.

This petition was supported by Judge Kathy Seeley, after declaring that the laws of the State of Montana (USA) are unconstitutional because they violate the rights of young people to a clean and healthy environment.

Fruits of the young activists’ struggle

As a ruling, Judge Seeley ordered the state to adopt measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and protect the environment. It also prohibited the application of the provision of the Montana Environmental Policy Act, which prevented the State from taking into account climate impacts when granting permits to build energy projects.

It is the first time in U.S. history that a court has ruled that a government has violated the constitutional rights of the people as a result of promoting fossil fuels, says Julia Olson, founder of Our Children’s Trust, the law firm that brought the case.

Young people celebrate this ruling as a generational achievement that will have a significant impact on the future of the planet. And they hope this case will inspire other young people to speak out for their future. It is also a major step in the fight against climate change.

Finally, the Universidad Internacional Iberoamericana (International Iberoamerican University) (UNIB) offers the Master in Environmental Management and Audits.

Source: Montana children and young people defeat state government in environmental lawsuit