Montana Takes Charge: A Coalition of States Joins Forces in Historic Federal Climate Change Lawsuit

Montana is at the center of a climate change battle. Attorney General Austin Knudsen is pushing for the state to join a federal lawsuit in hopes of defending fossil fuel initiatives. This case, filed in the U.S. District Court of Montana, focuses on three executive orders by former President Donald Trump, which aim to reduce climate protections and boost the fossil fuel industry.

At the heart of the lawsuit are 22 young plaintiffs, including Eva Lighthiser, a 19-year-old from Livingston. They argue that the executive orders threaten their constitutional rights to life and liberty. In a previous case, Held v. Montana, these young activists successfully claimed that state policies violated their right to a clean environment. Lighthiser describes the federal actions as a “death sentence” for her generation, highlighting the urgency felt by many young people regarding climate change.

The lawsuit accuses Trump’s orders of creating a false energy emergency while endangering clean air and water. It argues that these actions lead to increased pollution, which directly harms the plaintiffs’ lives. Knudsen, whose office lost to the plaintiffs in the Held case, claims that the states involved have vested interests that extend beyond the lawsuit, threatening their economies and well-being.

Interestingly, joining this legal battle are 18 Republican Attorneys General and the Territory of Guam. Their arguments center on job creation and economic growth linked to the fossil fuel sector, presenting a stark contrast to the concerns of the young plaintiffs. They assert that energy policies under Trump’s administration have benefited many citizens, especially those in rural communities.

Recent studies underscore the rising concerns around climate change among the youth. A survey from the American Psychological Association shows that over 70% of young people feel anxious about climate issues, forming a new generation driven by a desire for immediate action.

The legal landscape is shifting. Experts note that the involvement of multiple states in this lawsuit signals its importance as a legal challenge against fossil fuel policies. Julia Olsen from Our Children’s Trust remarked, “These states see Lighthiser vs. Trump as the biggest legal threat to the fossil fuel executive orders.” She and other advocates believe these policies endanger the health of young people, exacerbating climate-related disasters like floods and wildfires.

The case’s next hearing is set for September 16–17, 2025. As public awareness of climate change grows, the reactions from various groups—young activists, state officials, and economists—will continue to shape the conversation around our planet’s future.

For more information on the state of climate litigation, you can visit the American Psychological Association and their reports on youth perceptions of climate change.

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