Young Montanans who successfully sued the state for violating their right to a clean climate have reignited the legal battle by asking the Montana Supreme Court to strike down several new state laws.
In a motion filed Wednesday, the youth argue that the laws signed this spring by Gov. Greg Gianforte undermine a 2024 court decision saying that young people in the state have a constitutional right to a clean and healthful environment.
“The Legislature and the governor enacted laws not to conform to this court’s interpretation of the Constitution … but in direct contradiction of this court’s ruling,” the petition stated.
The youth — represented by the Oregon-based public interest law firm Our Children’s Trust — filed the motion as a petition for original jurisdiction — which would mean the high court would be the first to hear the case.
