CLIMATEWIRE | HELENA, Mont. — Sixteen young people who sued the state of Montana over its deference to the fossil fuel industry wrapped up the nation’s first youth-led climate trial earlier this week and now await a ruling.
Eleven of the young challengers took the stand in Held v. Montana, testifying about the effects of climate change on the Treasure State’s iconic glaciers and trout streams. A parade of experts offered evidence about the impact of burning fossil fuels.
Montana has called the trial a “publicity stunt,” and its lawyers have downplayed the state’s contribution to climate change, saying the issue is a global one.
Our Children’s Trust, the Oregon-based law firm representing the youth, said it expects a ruling in the case to take weeks, if not months.
Here are five takeaways from the seven days of the first U.S. youth climate trial.
1. THE OUTCOME COULD MARK A ‘SEA CHANGE’
Judge Kathy Seeley, who presided over the case, has already said she lacks authority to issue an injunctive ruling, such as an order requiring Montana to develop a plan to phase out fossil fuels.
But even a declaratory decision that says the government is violating the state Constitution’s right to a “clean and healthful environment” would be groundbreaking, legal observers say. Such a ruling could serve as precedent for other litigants looking to hold state governments and oil and gas companies accountable for contributing to climate change.
R&I~Smit
Orange of Specious
Article URL : https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/5-takeaways-from-the-montana-climate-trial-as-we-await-a-historic-ruling/