WSJ: Montana Must Do More to Address Climate Change, Judge Rules
August 14, 2023 In a landmark decision, State District Judge Kathy Seeley ruled in favor of a group of youth plaintiffs in Montana, citing a state constitutional right to a clean environment. She invalidated laws prohibiting state agencies from considering the effects of greenhouse gas emissions, emphasizing the worsening impact of climate change if not addressed. The case, brought by young Montana residents, highlighted the constitutional guarantee of a clean environment and argued against the state’s reliance on fossil fuels. While the judge didn’t specify actions, her ruling enables officials to consider climate impacts in future policy decisions. The ruling was celebrated by environmental advocates but faced opposition from the state, which plans to appeal. Similar cases are ongoing across the U.S. Montana’s legislature has supported fossil fuel infrastructure, but the ruling blocked a new law prohibiting the analysis of greenhouse gases in environmental impact reviews. This decision comes amidst global concerns over rising greenhouse gas emissions and their impact on climate change.