Kids Beat Montana to Uphold Right to a Healthy Environment

The kids are alright. Sixteen youth took Montana to court to challenge their state's failure to consider greenhouse gas emissions when approving fossil fuel extraction permits. Using Montana's unique constitution, which explicitly recognizes a right to a clean and healthy environment, the plaintiff's alleged that Montana violated their constitutional rights. And a judge agreed. In a powerful 103 page ruling, Judge Kathy Seely outlined the facts about climate change and how Montana's failure to consider greenhouse gas emissions when reviewing permits directly harmed the plaintiffs. Environmental attorneys Tom Wheeler, Matt Simmons and Jen Marlow break down the case and its implications.Support the show