Event Dates: September 16–17th, 2025
Time: 7:15 am-9:00am (arrive and cheer on the team!) 9:00am - hearing begins
Location: Russell Smith Federal Courthouse | 201 E. Broadway St. Missoula, Montana
Youth are taking the Trump administration to court! For the first time ever, a federal court will hear live testimony in a constitutional climate case led by young people! The 22 youth plaintiffs in Lighthiser v. Trump are challenging three of President Trump’s executive orders that unleash fossil fuels, block renewable energy, and suppress climate science.
During the two-day hearing, Judge Christensen will hear arguments and live testimony from witnesses for the youth plaintiffs, the federal government, and the states that have intervened to defend the Executive Orders, including Montana, on two filings: a motion for preliminary injunction filed by the youth plaintiffs asking the court to halt the implementation of Executive Orders 14156, 14154, and 1426 until their case is decided, and the federal and state governments’’ motions to dismiss the youths’ case.
Join Us!
WHEN: September 16 & 17, 2025 | 7:15am MT
WHERE: Russell Smith Federal Courthouse, 201 E. Broadway, Suite 310, Missoula, MT 59802
ORGANIZED BY: Families for a Livable Climate, with coordination support from Our Children’s Trust, Public Justice, and Montana partner groups
Join us on September 16 &17 from 7:15-9:00am outside the courthouse for a peaceful rally to cheer on the brave youth plaintiffs as they walk into history, standing up for their rights to life and liberty!
Then — let’s fill our courthouse and respectfully observe and honor our democracy! Court begins promptly at 9:00am and can last until 5pm. Let’s let these brave youth know that we stand with them in their quest for justice to protect their constitutional rights.
To abide by courthouse and city rules, for the rally we’ll meet on the sidewalk directly in front of the courthouse and then disperse to fill the sidewalks surrounding the courthouse.
Please note: courtroom capacity is limited and seating will be first-come, first-served. Arrive early if you’d like a seat inside! Please be respectful of our federal court and court staff, be prepared with an ID, and be ready to pass through security. Photography, video/audio recording is prohibited. For more information, see the courthouse website.
Our Main Goals
We aim to gather as many people as possible outside the courthouse on both hearing days to cheer on the youth plaintiffs and their attorneys as they enter the courthouse, and show public support for their right to a safe and healthy climate. We hope to fill the 50-person courtroom, but your presence outside is just as important to demonstrate the significance of this case (and with family and supporters needing seats, there may not be room for every supporter to sit in the courtroom for the hearing).
How You Can Help
Attend in-person to support the plaintiffs—bring signs, friends, and your voice!
Call and email your state representatives to support congressional resolutions (S.Con.Res.18 and H.Con.Res.44) - The Children's Fundamental Rights to Life and a Stable Climate System. Read more >>
Your presence will make a difference—stand with the youth plaintiffs in Missoula as they make climate justice history!!