Montana Youth WON! About the Held v. MT Decision

In a first-of-its-kind ruling, Judge Kathy Seeley in the First Judicial District Court of Montana released a 103-page decision for the Held v. State of Montana youth-led climate lawsuit on Monday, August 14, 2023, ruling wholly in favor of the youth plaintiffs.

In her decision, Judge Seeley issued declaratory relief, agreeing that by promoting and supporting fossil fuel extraction and burning, the State of Montana is violating the youth plaintiffs’ rights to a clean and healthful environment. The decision also strikes down parts of two 2023 state laws which restricted the Montana Department of Environmental Quality from considering climate impacts when issuing permits for energy and mining projects. This decision will impact policy-making and permitting in Montana moving forward.

This landmark case marks a new era in the climate movement, setting precedent for similar cases across the country. Julia Olson, Executive Director of Our Children’s Trust said in response to the ruling,

"As fires rage in the West, fueled by fossil fuel pollution, today’s ruling in Montana is a game-changer that marks a turning point in this generation’s efforts to save the planet from the devastating effects of human-caused climate chaos. This is a huge win for Montana, for youth, for democracy, and for our climate. More rulings like this will certainly come.”

Our Children’s Trust is a nonprofit law firm based out of Eugene, Oregon that is representing youth plaintiffs in climate change lawsuits across the nation, including a national case that has been allowed to proceed. The next case scheduled for trial is Navahine F. v. Hawaii Department of Transportation. Learn more about the upcoming case and ways to support the Hawaii plaintiffs here.

Although the decision in Montana is expected to be appealed, this is a major victory for Montanans and the broader climate movement. The decision affirms the youth in their pursuit of climate justice, allows them to feel seen and heard, and gives us all much-needed hope and inspiration to continue our fight for a livable climate. As youth plaintiff Kian expressed,

“This ruling, this case; it is truly historic. We are heard! Frankly the elation and joy in my heart is overwhelming in the best way. We set the precedent not only for the United States, but for the world.”

We were thrilled to celebrate the ruling in Missoula last week over refreshments and speeches from supporters, plaintiffs, and expert witness Steve Running. Speakers expressed gratitude and a renewed sense of strength and courage after the historic news. Watch a short recap of the event from KPAX TV here, and watch the full event livestream here.

We are so grateful for the youth plaintiffs, attorneys, staff, family members, volunteers, and supporters who made this lawsuit possible, and for Judge Seeley for recognizing and upholding these young people’s right to a livable climate. We continue to stand with the plaintiffs and we joyfully celebrate this decision with all Montanans. We also celebrate the nationwide media coverage this case generated, the innumerable climate conversations the case continues to inspire, and the climate science and stories that are now enshrined in public record as a result of the trial.

We also recognize the continued urgency for climate action in our community, state, and nation. In the words of our Executive Director, Winona Bateman,

“I feel inspired and I feel really strongly that the inspiration and appreciation that I have for the youth needs to translate into action.

You can commit to do your part to protect the future of our youth by taking our Climate Action Pledge.

As we await the State’s response, stay tuned for updates and ways to show your support.

For our shared future,
The FLC team