Young people in Montana win lawsuit for clean environment

Sixteen young people have won a lawsuit against the US state of Montana which said that the state violated their constitutional rights—including their rights to equal protection, dignity, liberty, health and safety, and public trust—on the basis of their right to a clean and healthful environment.

The landmark decision is the first of its kind to go to trial in the US and has nationwide implications. The state attorney general said that the state would appeal the ruling to the Montana Supreme Court.

In deciding the lawsuit,1 Judge Kathy Seeley ruled that Montana had violated a clause in its constitution that reads, “Inalienable …