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 ruled wholly in favor of the youth plaintiffs in the landmark climate lawsuit, Held v. State of Montana. Our Montana youth WON!
Read details about the decision, watch a recap of our public celebration of the ruling, and learn about ways to stay engaged.
Action Alert: Comment on the EPA's New Carbon Emissions Standards
The U.S. EPA is proposing a new set of standards that strongly curtail carbon emissions from coal-fired power plants. Comment by August 8 and tell the EPA to support these new power plant standards that will combat climate change, improve public health, and protect our environment. Find details and instructions here.
Montana Energy Planning Action Alert
Montana’s Public Service Commission is accepting public comments and holding public hearings on NorthWestern Energy’s Integrated Resource Plan throughout the state this August. This plan will determine how energy is produced for the majority of our municipalities over the next 20-30 years, so it is hugely important that we raise our voices and demand clean and affordable energy NOW! Read on to find out how you can take action.
Like the dandelion, we will not be moved
A reflection and call to action from our Executive Director
In Montana, despite my perception of a mild summer, we’re already experiencing big trouble: record lows in Flathead Lake’s water level, fishing restrictions on important rivers, and according to the Daily Montanan, “a high-pressure ridge is expected to push temperatures into the 90s and near 100 degrees this weekend into early next week in western Montana – about 15 degrees above normal.”
After listening to the poem “Dandelion is the New Guru” by Lisa Bellamy and rereading a DearTomorrow letter I had written to my daughter in 2021 for her to read 2050, my heart broke wide open as I was reminded that there is no giving up, because that would mean giving up on my child and her future.
Creative Climate Futures: Youth Writing Contest Submissions
In our first ever youth writing contest this past winter, we invited Montanans 18 years old and under to envision what our communities will look like and how they've responded to climate change in the year 2070. Here we present to you the entire collection of responses from the contest. Read their words, hear their voices, listen to them.
Billings Climate Week - Thirsty for Climate Discussion
Billings Climate week, a week before the launch of the historic Held v State of Montana youth-led climate lawsuit, brought Dr. Steve Running to Billings to share his expensive knowledge about climate system changes for a weeklong climate action extravaganza!
VIDEO: Ask the Plaintiffs - Held v. MT Q&A
On June 2, 2023, plaintiffs and an attorney from the historic Held v. State of Montana youth-led climate lawsuit joined this live virtual conversation to answer questions and share their experiences with peers and supporters across the state. It was a great opportunity to hear directly from plaintiffs about what it's been like to participate in the FIRST youth-led and the FIRST constitutional climate lawsuit to go to trial in the nation! Listen to the full discussion here.
Montana youth lead the way – but they shouldn’t have to
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?
Montana youth make history! Get involved & show your support
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.