If we are truly committed to our Montana values – improving the quality of life for this and future generations – we need to take significant steps now to reduce our reliance on fossil fuels, increase energy efficiency, and protect our water resources. We shouldn’t be relying on our young people to fight for their future; we should be working to give them the best future possible. If we don’t, what type of legacy are we leaving them?

The historic climate trial, Held v. State of Montana, is the FIRST youth-led and the first constitutional climate lawsuit to go to trial in the United States. The trial takes place June 12-23, 2023 at the First Judicial District Court, 228 E Broadway St, Helena, MT 59601. Court is scheduled for 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. weekdays.

There will be activities and events throughout the entire two weeks of trial, as well as many ways to show your support. Families for a Livable Climate will be attending and providing activities during the first two days, June 12 and 13. Join us as we support the courageous youth plaintiffs, stand witness to these historic events, and commit to protect the future of all young Montanans through meaningful climate action.

On May 30, we gathered with partners, storytellers, and community members to share and hear stories of hope, grief, loss, strength, solutions, and courage at our Missoula Climate Stories live event. Read more about the experience and watch the recording here.

A mother’s job is never over. We don’t give up when things get hard or when they seem hopeless. Moms are tough. We work hard and we fight for our families and our communities. We don’t just hope for a good life for our kids - we actively work to build a better future for our children.

We were blown away by our May 1 “Federal Money for Montana Schools: Solar and EV Buses” webinar! It was an incredible conversation with some amazing guests.

Some highlights: We heard from government experts about funding opportunities. We heard stories from Sam Spector of Sweet Grass High School in Big Timber, MT, about the massive savings they’ve experienced from their solar array and other projects. We heard from Transportation Directory Bethany Aurin from West Grand School District in Colorado who gave their EV buses a glowing review for performance in snow, ice, and more!

Missoula Gives is May 4-5! Donate to support our work to bring climate conversations skills workshops to more Montanans and create support for solutions.

Thank you to the more than 60 individuals who traveled to Helena this week (and countless others who called and wrote messages) to testify against HB 971, a bill that the House suspended its rules to introduce, which would ban consideration of climate impacts and exempt DEQ from analyzing environmental, cultural and economic impacts of mining, air, and oil and gas projects. Learn more about HB 971 here and SB 557 here.

This bill, along with SB 557 (another bill targeting MEPA) passed out of committee. Take action today!

At Families for a Livable Climate, we’re super excited at all the opportunities presented for homeowners and renters through the Inflation Reduction Act, and we’re grateful and inspired by all the amazing local groups pioneering electrification programs in Montana communities, such as our friends at Climate Smart Missoula and their Electrify Missoula!

In celebration of Earth Week, we’ve prepped a few extra resources to get you started in thinking about electrifying your life!

Parents and caregivers: Please join us on THIS MONDAY, APRIL 17,  at 3 p.m. with the House Natural Resources Committee to speak out against HB 971--a bill introduced late Friday after lawmakers suspended the rules to admit a new bill (post transmittal). Register to testify for the 3 p.m. hearing this Monday via Zoom; you MUST REGISTER before 5 pm on Sunday, April 16: https://leg.mt.gov/session/have-your-say/. You do not need to register to testify in person. 

HB 971 would repeal the Montana Environmental Policy Act (MEPA) for all projects that could harm our environment and climate if the Montana Supreme Court were to ever find that Montanans’ right to a clean and healthful environment requires state agencies to consider climate impacts. If the court finds that climate change must be considered, then the state department of environment quality does not have to comply with MEPA for air pollution permits, coal mines, open cut permits, hard rock mines, and more.