Montana is appealing landmark youth climate ruling

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🗞️Driving the news: Montana’s Republican attorney general is appealing a climate change ruling, responding to the August decision by Judge Kathy Seeley
• The ruling held that state agencies, according to the Montana Environmental Policy Act (MEPA), inadequately protect 16 young plaintiffs from global warming's harm

🔭 The context: The appeal adds legal complexity to the climate change discourse, especially as the 2023 Legislature amended MEPA, allowing exemptions for greenhouse gas consideration unless federally regulated
• Plaintiffs argue tangible climate change effects, while the state emphasizes its minor global emissions impact

🌍 Why it matters for the planet: Seeley's ruling, following a U.S. trial, joins global decisions establishing government duty amid climate change
• The appeal mirrors broader climate litigation trends, recently evident in a European Court of Human Rights hearing on youth-led charges against European governments

⏭️ What's next: The appeal process will take months to unfold
• Simultaneously, the state Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) seeks public input on potential MEPA updates

💬 One quote: "We want to start a thoughtful dialogue about greenhouse gas emissions and other topics, seeking input that is balanced and driven by sound science," (Chris Dorrington, DEQ director)

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