Montana’s Supreme Court debates climate law's constitutionality

A landmark climate lawsuit in Montana questions whether a state law supporting fossil fuel development infringes on constitutional rights to a healthy environment.

Nicholas Kusnetz and Najifa Farhat report for Inside Climate News.

In short:

• Montana's Supreme Court heard arguments about a law that prohibits considering climate impacts in fossil fuel project approvals, challenged by 16 youths.
• Plaintiffs argue the law violates Montana’s constitutional right to a "clean and healthful environment," with potential national implications.
• The state’s defense claims Montana's emissions are too minor to affect global climate change, questioning the court's jurisdiction.

Key quote:

“Any environmental case that gets to the Supreme Court is dead on arrival. That’s why people are going to the states.”

— Patrick Parenteau, professor of law emeritus and senior fellow for climate policy at Vermont Law and Graduate School

Why this matters:

The case could set a precedent for constitutional climate rights, influencing environmental policy and legal actions nationwide, especially as federal regulations face challenges. Read more: Youth v. Montana — Young adults speak up.