"HELENA, Mont. — Young environmental activists scored what may be a groundbreaking legal victory Monday when a Montana judge said state agencies were violating their constitutional right to a clean and healthful environment by allowing fossil fuel development.
The ruling in this first-of-its- kind trial in the U.S. adds to a small number of legal decisions around the world that have established a government duty to protect citizens from climate change.
If it stands, the ruling could set an important legal precedent, though experts said its immediate impacts will be limited and state officials pledged to seek to overturn the decision on appeal."
Amy Beth Hanson and Matthew Brown report for the Associated Press August 14, 2023.
SEE ALSO:
"Judge Rules In Favor Of Montana Youths In Landmark Climate Decision" (Washington Post)
"Montana Judge Sides With Youth In Historic Climate Trial" (E&E News)
"Judge Rules in Favor of Montana Youths in a Landmark Climate Case" (New York Times)
"Montana Youth Win Historic Case on Harm From Climate Change" (Bloomberg Environment)
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