Strengthened45% impact weight
By recognizing a constitutional right to a stable climate and requiring the state to weigh greenhouse-gas emissions, the ruling strengthens the legal basis for decarbonization policy and climate-conscious permitting.
court rulingverifiedconfidence: medium
Montana Supreme Court affirms youth right to a stable climate in Held v. Montana (2024)
On 18 December 2024, the Montana Supreme Court affirmed a 2023 district-court ruling in Held v. Montana, holding that the state's constitutional guarantee of a 'clean and healthful environment' includes a stable climate system and striking down a law that barred regulators from considering greenhouse-gas emissions. It was the first US appellate decision recognizing such a constitutional climate right, brought by sixteen youth plaintiffs.
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On 18 December 2024, the Montana Supreme Court affirmed a 2023 district-court ruling in Held v. Montana, holding that the state's constitutional guarantee of a 'clean and healthful environment' includes a stable climate system and striking down a law that barred regulators from considering greenhouse-gas emissions. It was the first US appellate decision recognizing such a constitutional climate right, brought by sixteen youth plaintiffs.
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