Montana youth fight for their right to a clean and healthful environment
Listen to Rikki Held, Grace Gibson-Snyder, Mica Kantor, Taleah Hernández, and Claire Vlases - 5 of the 16 youth plaintiffs in the Held v. State of Montana lawsuit - as they explain why they are involved in the trial and the climate impacts that motivate them to advocate for change.
Held v. State of Montana is the first youth-led and the first constitutional climate lawsuit to go to trial in the United States. Sixteen youth plaintiffs from across Montana are suing the State, arguing that by supporting a fossil fuel-driven energy system that worsens the climate crisis, the State of Montana is violating their constitutional right to a “clean and healthful environment”; to seek safety, health, and happiness; and to individual dignity and equal protection of the law.
The trial will take place June 12-13 at the First Judicial District Court in Helena. Read about ways to participate and support the youth plaintiffs here.
