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Montana is appealing landmark youth climate ruling

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By illuminem briefings

· 2 min read


illuminem summarizes for you the essential news of the day. Read the full piece on TIME or enjoy below

🗞️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)

Click for more news covering the latest on climate change

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