2023-08-15 04:01:52
It’s a decision “historical” in a climate trial, note the New York Times. A Montana judge ruled on Monday, August 14, in favor of young Americans who accused the state of having violated their right – enshrined in the Constitution of the “Treasure State” – to a “clean and healthy environment” by encouraging the use of fossil fuels.
Kathy Seeley has struck down a clause in a law in the northwestern U.S. state that prohibits local government from considering the climate consequences of greenhouse gas emissions when allocating permits to companies exploiting this type of fuel.
“Absurd”
The state of Montana has announced it will appeal. This verdict is “absurd”said a spokeswoman for the Montana attorney general. “The people of Montana cannot be accused of changing the climate — even witnesses called by the plaintiffs agree that our state has no impact on the global climate.”
“This is a big win for Montana, for young people, for democracy and for our climate”for her part, rejoiced Julia Olson, executive director of Our Children’s Trust, one of the three associations which supported the complainants. “More such rulings will certainly be made.”
The 16 complainants, aged 5 to 22 “including outdoor enthusiasts, athletes, young Native Americans and farm children”invoked during the trial “the adverse effects of the climate, including extreme heat, poor air quality, and damage to crops and livestock,” traces the Wall Street Journal.
A “hard battle”
While the battle has so far proven “difficile” for young people filing lawsuits in the United States, with “at least 14 cases have already been dismissed”this decision in Montana could “influence how judges deal with similar cases” elsewhere in the country, estimate the Washington Post.
“The ruling also represents a rare success for climate advocates who have tried to use the courts to oppose government policies and industrial activities they say are harming the planet.”underlines the newspaper.
“According to observers, this resounding victory […] could energize the environmental movement and lead to a flurry of business to advance the fight against climate change”anticipates the Washington Post.
The Wall Street Journal notes for its part that the proceedings in a long-outstanding federal case in Oregon “accelerates” after a judge recently allowed the plaintiffs to file an amended complaint. And in Hawaii, “Plaintiffs Seeking Similar Relief Under This State’s Constitution Are Preparing for a Trial in the Fall”.
1692074767
#Montana #young #Americans #win #historic #victory #climate #trial