Young Montanans Win Landmark Environmental Case Against State Government

Last year, 16 young Montanans successfully sued their state government over a law that prevented the Department of Environmental Quality from considering environmental impacts when approving fossil fuel permits, arguing it violated their constitutional right to a healthful environment. This landmark ruling now mandates that Montana must consider climate change in such decisions. In contrast, a similar youth climate lawsuit in Florida was dismissed because the state’s constitution does not explicitly guarantee environmental rights. Instead, Florida recently passed a law that hinders climate action and nullifies previous renewable energy goals, frustrating young activists. Advocates, like Joseph Bonasia, argue that constitutional environmental rights are crucial and are pushing for a “Right to Clean and Healthy Waters” amendment in Florida, recognizing the importance of protecting natural resources for future generations.