(Washington) The first trial related to climate change in the United States opened Monday in Montana, after a dozen young people filed lawsuits against the northwestern state, accusing it of violating their rights Constitution to a “clean and healthy environment”.
The case, named “Held v. Montana,” is under scrutiny because its outcome could support other lawsuits across the country, targeting both the fossil fuel industry and law enforcement.
The 16 plaintiffs, aged 5 to 22, say the ‘dangerous effects of fossil fuels and the climate crisis’ have harmed them – with children being ‘singularly vulnerable’ to these worsening effects.
“Young people like me understand what is at stake,” said Grace Gibson-Snyder, 19, in a statement from Our Children’s Trust, one of the associations representing the plaintiffs in this trial.
“We understand that we only have a short time to get out of fossil fuels to ensure a secure future for us and our children,” she adds.
The trial, being held in Helena, the capital of Montana, is scheduled to run until June 23.
At the heart of the debates, an article of the local constitution stipulating that “the State and everyone must maintain and improve a clean and healthy environment in Montana for present and future generations”.
The plaintiffs do not demand any compensation, but ask that a statement be drawn up stating that their rights are infringed. This should be a first step towards legislative action.
On several occasions, Montana has attempted to have the lawsuits dismissed on grounds of procedural defect.
But on June 6, the state Supreme Court gave the green light for the trial to begin.
Across the United States, dozens of lawsuits are being filed by authorities against fossil fuel companies over their impact on the climate.
“When it comes to climate action, American justice has never been more relevant,” said Alice Hill, a former climate adviser under President Barack Obama and a member of the Climate Crisis Advisory Group think tank.