| From | Our Children's Trust <[email protected]> |
| Subject | Trial Concludes in Montana! |
| Date | June 20, 2023 8:58 PM |
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g3U=3D.
Dear friends,
Trial concluded this morning in Held v. State of Montana as the court heard=
closing arguments from attorneys for both the youth plaintiffs and the sta=
te.=20
Watch for an email tomorrow where we will share in full the powerful closin=
g statement delivered by Nate Bellinger, Senior Staff Attorney for=20
Our Children=E2=80=99s Trust!
Nate Bellinger delivers the closing statement for youth plaintiffs (Photo b=
y Robin Loznak)
=20
Two Kinds of Experts
It=E2=80=99s been an extraordinary seven days of testimony during which we =
heard from two kinds of experts.
First, we heard from world-renowned experts in their fields, including expe=
rts on the physical science of climate change, experts on how Montana is ex=
periencing the effects of climate change, experts on how climate change dis=
proportionately impacts the physical and mental health of youth, experts on=
how Montana=E2=80=99s government has for decades been actively exacerbatin=
g the climate crisis in their state, experts on how Montana=E2=80=99s green=
house gas emissions are substantial and make the climate emergency worse, a=
nd more.=20
These leaders in their respective fields have all generously donated their =
time, contributing their testimony in support of the 16 young plaintiffs at=
no cost, all because they believe so strongly in the merits of their case =
and in the importance of protecting the rights of youth to a safe climate.
=20
Mica, Eva, and Rikki visit in the courtroom (Photo by Robin Loznak)
=20
This week, we also heard from another kind of expert: the youth plaintiffs.=
These extraordinary young Montanans took the stand to speak directly to th=
e court. Through tears, laughter, and determination, they shared the devast=
ating ways they have each been impacted by the climate crisis, the ways in =
which they and their beloved Montana is being harmed by the actions of thei=
r own government, and what they need from the court and the state to rectif=
y these harms. The youth have also spoken about their love for their home a=
nd their hope and optimism for the future.=20
The bravery of these young people cannot be overstated. It takes great cour=
age to step into the light and share your truth, much less with the whole w=
orld watching. These young Montanans continue to lead the way=E2=80=A6
=20
Youth plaintiffs walking and chatting outside the courthouse (Photo by Robi=
n Loznak)
=20
What=E2=80=99s Next?
Judge Kathy Seeley will now take everything she has heard in the courtroom =
- the testimony, the facts, and the stories - as well as the many documents=
admitted into evidence into consideration as she determines how to rule in=
this critical case. We anticipate that it may be weeks, if not months, bef=
ore we receive a ruling from the court. This is to be expected: this is a b=
ig case, with big claims, and the judge has much to consider from this hist=
oric trial.
In the meantime, we will continue to share ways in which you can support th=
e youth plaintiffs, through online and in-person actions, to continue sprea=
ding the word about their case and demonstrate your solidarity with their b=
ravery and leadership. Stay tuned as the journey toward justice in Montana =
continues!
=20
Attorneys for the youth plaintiffs from Our Children=E2=80=99s Trust, Weste=
rn Environmental Law Center (WELC), and McGarvey Law gather outside the cou=
rthouse (Photo by Robin Loznak)
=20
Our Thanks & Your Continued Support=20
We=E2=80=99d like to close this email, and our final day of trial in Montan=
a, with words of gratitude for all of you, the invaluable community of supp=
orters of the Held v. State of Montana youth plaintiffs and Our Children=E2=
=80=99s Trust.
Your support has enabled Our Children=E2=80=99s Trust to present this stell=
ar case in Montana, and your continued support will enable us to build off =
this momentum and do likewise in our federal and state courts across the Un=
ited States and around the world. Thank you. We cannot do this work without=
you.
=20
With enormous gratitude,
The Team at Our Children=E2=80=99s Trust
=20
DONATE TODAY AND YOUR GIFT WILL BE MATCHED!
=20
Copyright =C2=A9 2023 Our Children's Trust. All rights reserved.
OCT is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. EIN # 27-3094382
This email was sent to [email protected]. Click here to [link removed]
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<!--[if mso]><center><![end-if]-->
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<th class=3D"columns small-12 large-12 first last default" st=
yle=3D"word-wrap: break-word; vertical-align: top; color: #3c4144; font-fam=
ily: Georgia,serif; font-weight: 400; padding: 0; text-align: left; font-si=
ze: 12pt; line-height: 1.5; margin: 0 auto; Margin: 0 auto; word-break: bre=
ak-word; width: 564px; padding-left: 24px; padding-right: 24px; border-coll=
apse: collapse; padding-top: 24px; padding-bottom: 24px;"><p style=3D"color=
: #3c4144; font-family: Georgia,serif; font-weight: 400; padding: 0; margin=
: 0; Margin: 0; text-align: left; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 1.5; margin=
-bottom: 10px; Margin-bottom: 10px;">Dear friends,</p> <p class=3D"align-le=
ft" style=3D"color: #3c4144; font-family: Georgia,serif; font-weight: 400; =
padding: 0; margin: 0; Margin: 0; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 1.5; margin=
-bottom: 10px; Margin-bottom: 10px; text-align: left;"><span style=3D"font-=
size: 12pt;"><span style=3D"color: #09b29d;"><strong>Trial concluded this m=
orning in <em><a style=3D"text-decoration: none; font-family: Georgia,serif=
; font-weight: inherit; padding: 0; text-align: left; line-height: 1.5; col=
or: #09b29d;" title=3D"Held v. State of Montana" href=3D"[link removed]
ails.com/emails/tracking/click-link/oS3OriSX2ogMo5y6ojKlOqZs-FrWkgGGOlhtv8i=
0g3U=3D/1HPZ15rlynoMGUzSnfnxrBJndqI3i-dSka6QG1wOL8M=3D" target=3D"_blank" r=
el=3D"noopener"><span style=3D"text-decoration: underline;">Held v. State o=
f Montana</span></a> </em></strong></span><span style=3D"color: #000000;">a=
s the court heard closing arguments from attorneys for both the youth plain=
tiffs and the state. </span></span></p> <p class=3D"align-center" styl=
e=3D"color: #3c4144; font-family: Georgia,serif; font-weight: 400; padding:=
0; margin: 0; Margin: 0; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom:=
10px; Margin-bottom: 10px; text-align: center;"><span style=3D"color: #054=
570;">Watch for an email tomorrow where we will share in full the powerful =
closing statement delivered by Nate Bellinger, Senior Staff Attorney for <b=
r>Our Children=E2=80=99s Trust!</span></p>=20
<figure class style=3D"margin: 0 0 1rem; Margin: 0 0 1rem;">
<!--[if mso]><center><![end-if]-->
<img class=3D"align-center" src=3D"[link removed]
t.app.neoncrm.com/neon/resource/ourchildrenstrust/images/DSC_6091.jpg" alt=
=3D"DSC_6091.jpg" width=3D"600" align=3D"center" style=3D"outline: none; te=
xt-decoration: none; -ms-interpolation-mode: bicubic; max-width: 100%; clea=
r: both; display: block; margin: 0 auto; Margin: 0 auto; float: none; text-=
align: center; height: auto;"><!--[if mso]></center><![end-if]-->
</figure> <p class=3D"align-center" style=3D"color: #3c4144;=
font-family: Georgia,serif; font-weight: 400; padding: 0; margin: 0; Margi=
n: 0; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 10px; Margin-bottom=
: 10px; text-align: center;"><span style=3D"font-size: 11pt;"><em>Nate Bell=
inger delivers the closing statement for youth plaintiffs (Photo by Robin L=
oznak)</em></span></p> <p style=3D"color: #3c4144; font-family: Georgia,ser=
if; font-weight: 400; padding: 0; margin: 0; Margin: 0; text-align: left; f=
ont-size: 12pt; line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 10px; Margin-bottom: 10px;=
"> </p> <p style=3D"color: #3c4144; font-family: Georgia,serif; font-w=
eight: 400; padding: 0; margin: 0; Margin: 0; text-align: left; font-size: =
12pt; line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 10px; Margin-bottom: 10px;"><span st=
yle=3D"color: #09b29d; font-size: 13pt;"><strong>Two Kinds of Experts</stro=
ng></span></p> <p style=3D"color: #3c4144; font-family: Georgia,serif; font=
-weight: 400; padding: 0; margin: 0; Margin: 0; text-align: left; font-size=
: 12pt; line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 10px; Margin-bottom: 10px;"><span =
style=3D"color: #000000;">It=E2=80=99s been an extraordinary <a href=3D"htt=
ps://api.neonemails.com/emails/tracking/click-link/oS3OriSX2ogMo5y6ojKlOqZs=
-FrWkgGGOlhtv8i0g3U=3D/1HPZ15rlynoMGUzSnfnxrIWAx5V-ST3wiRc9vpTB86c=3D" styl=
e=3D"color: #0074d9; text-decoration: none; font-family: Georgia,serif; fon=
t-weight: inherit; padding: 0; text-align: left; line-height: 1.5;"><span s=
tyle=3D"text-decoration: underline;">seven days of testimony</span></a> dur=
ing which we heard from two kinds of experts.</span></p> <p style=3D"color:=
#3c4144; font-family: Georgia,serif; font-weight: 400; padding: 0; margin:=
0; Margin: 0; text-align: left; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 1.5; margin-=
bottom: 10px; Margin-bottom: 10px;"><span style=3D"color: #000000;">First, =
we heard from <span style=3D"color: #054570;"><strong>world-renowned expert=
s in their fields</strong></span>, including experts on the physical scienc=
e of climate change, experts on how Montana is experiencing the effects of =
climate change, experts on how climate change disproportionately impacts th=
e physical and mental health of youth, experts on how Montana=E2=80=99s gov=
ernment has for decades been actively exacerbating the climate crisis in th=
eir state, experts on how Montana=E2=80=99s greenhouse gas emissions are su=
bstantial and make the climate emergency worse, and more. </span></p> =
<p style=3D"color: #3c4144; font-family: Georgia,serif; font-weight: 400; p=
adding: 0; margin: 0; Margin: 0; text-align: left; font-size: 12pt; line-he=
ight: 1.5; margin-bottom: 10px; Margin-bottom: 10px;"><span style=3D"color:=
#000000;">These leaders in their respective fields have all generously don=
ated their time, contributing their testimony in support of the 16 young pl=
aintiffs at no cost, all because they believe so strongly in the merits of =
their case and in the importance of protecting the rights of youth to a saf=
e climate.</span></p> <p class=3D"align-center" style=3D"color: #3c4144; fo=
nt-family: Georgia,serif; font-weight: 400; padding: 0; margin: 0; Margin: =
0; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 10px; Margin-bottom: 1=
0px; text-align: center;"> </p>=20
<figure class style=3D"margin: 0 0 1rem; Margin: 0 0 1rem;">
<!--[if mso]><center><![end-if]-->
<img class=3D"align-center" src=3D"[link removed]
t.app.neoncrm.com/neon/resource/ourchildrenstrust/images/Mont_%20Day%206%20=
005.JPG" alt=3D"Mont_%20Day%206%xxxxxx.JPG" width=3D"600" align=3D"center" s=
tyle=3D"outline: none; text-decoration: none; -ms-interpolation-mode: bicub=
ic; max-width: 100%; clear: both; display: block; margin: 0 auto; Margin: 0=
auto; float: none; text-align: center; height: auto;"><!--[if mso]></cente=
r><![end-if]-->
</figure> <p class=3D"align-center" style=3D"color: #3c4144;=
font-family: Georgia,serif; font-weight: 400; padding: 0; margin: 0; Margi=
n: 0; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 10px; Margin-bottom=
: 10px; text-align: center;"><span style=3D"color: #000000; font-size: 11pt=
;"><em>Mica, Eva, and Rikki visit in the courtroom (Photo by Robin Loznak)<=
/em></span></p> <p class=3D"align-center" style=3D"color: #3c4144; font-fam=
ily: Georgia,serif; font-weight: 400; padding: 0; margin: 0; Margin: 0; fon=
t-size: 12pt; line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 10px; Margin-bottom: 10px; t=
ext-align: center;"> </p> <p style=3D"color: #3c4144; font-family: Geo=
rgia,serif; font-weight: 400; padding: 0; margin: 0; Margin: 0; text-align:=
left; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 10px; Margin-botto=
m: 10px;"><span style=3D"color: #000000;">This week, we also heard from ano=
ther kind of expert: <span style=3D"color: #054570;"><strong>the youth plai=
ntiffs</strong></span>. These extraordinary young Montanans took the stand =
to speak directly to the court. Through tears, laughter, and determination,=
they shared the devastating ways they have each been impacted by the clima=
te crisis, the ways in which they and their beloved Montana is being harmed=
by the actions of their own government, and what they need from the court =
and the state to rectify these harms. The youth have also spoken about thei=
r love for their home and their hope and optimism for the future. </sp=
an></p> <p style=3D"color: #3c4144; font-family: Georgia,serif; font-weight=
: 400; padding: 0; margin: 0; Margin: 0; text-align: left; font-size: 12pt;=
line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 10px; Margin-bottom: 10px;"><span style=
=3D"color: #000000;">The bravery of these young people cannot be overstated=
. It takes great courage to step into the light and share your truth, much =
less with the whole world watching. <span style=3D"color: #09b29d;"><strong=
>These young Montanans continue to lead the way=E2=80=A6</strong></span></s=
pan></p> <p class=3D"align-center" style=3D"color: #3c4144; font-family: Ge=
orgia,serif; font-weight: 400; padding: 0; margin: 0; Margin: 0; font-size:=
12pt; line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 10px; Margin-bottom: 10px; text-ali=
gn: center;"> </p>=20
<figure class style=3D"margin: 0 0 1rem; Margin: 0 0 1rem;">
<!--[if mso]><center><![end-if]-->
<img class=3D"align-center" src=3D"[link removed]
t.app.neoncrm.com/neon/resource/ourchildrenstrust/images/DSC_5395.jpg" alt=
=3D"DSC_5395.jpg" width=3D"600" align=3D"center" style=3D"outline: none; te=
xt-decoration: none; -ms-interpolation-mode: bicubic; max-width: 100%; clea=
r: both; display: block; margin: 0 auto; Margin: 0 auto; float: none; text-=
align: center; height: auto;"><!--[if mso]></center><![end-if]-->
</figure> <p class=3D"align-center" style=3D"color: #3c4144;=
font-family: Georgia,serif; font-weight: 400; padding: 0; margin: 0; Margi=
n: 0; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 10px; Margin-bottom=
: 10px; text-align: center;"><span style=3D"font-size: 11pt;"><em><span sty=
le=3D"color: #000000;">Youth plaintiffs walking and chatting outside the co=
urthouse (Photo by Robin Loznak)</span></em></span></p> <p class=3D"align-l=
eft" style=3D"color: #3c4144; font-family: Georgia,serif; font-weight: 400;=
padding: 0; margin: 0; Margin: 0; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 1.5; margi=
n-bottom: 10px; Margin-bottom: 10px; text-align: left;"> </p> <p style=
=3D"color: #3c4144; font-family: Georgia,serif; font-weight: 400; padding: =
0; margin: 0; Margin: 0; text-align: left; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 1.=
5; margin-bottom: 10px; Margin-bottom: 10px;"><span style=3D"color: #09b29d=
;"><strong>What=E2=80=99s Next?</strong></span><br><span style=3D"color: #0=
00000;">Judge Kathy Seeley will now take everything she has heard in the co=
urtroom - the testimony, the facts, and the stories - as well as the many d=
ocuments admitted into evidence into consideration as she determines how to=
rule in this critical case. We anticipate that it may be weeks, if not mon=
ths, before we receive a ruling from the court. This is to be expected: thi=
s is a big case, with big claims, and the judge has much to consider from t=
his historic trial.</span></p> <p style=3D"color: #3c4144; font-family: Geo=
rgia,serif; font-weight: 400; padding: 0; margin: 0; Margin: 0; text-align:=
left; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 10px; Margin-botto=
m: 10px;"><span style=3D"color: #000000;">In the meantime, we will continue=
to share ways in which you can support the youth plaintiffs, through onlin=
e and in-person actions, to continue spreading the word about their case an=
d demonstrate your solidarity with their bravery and leadership. <strong>St=
ay tuned as the journey toward justice in Montana continues!</strong></span=
></p> <p style=3D"color: #3c4144; font-family: Georgia,serif; font-weight: =
400; padding: 0; margin: 0; Margin: 0; text-align: left; font-size: 12pt; l=
ine-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 10px; Margin-bottom: 10px;"> </p>=20
<figure class style=3D"margin: 0 0 1rem; Margin: 0 0 1rem;">
<!--[if mso]><center><![end-if]-->
<img class=3D"align-center" src=3D"[link removed]
t.app.neoncrm.com/neon/resource/ourchildrenstrust/images/Group%20New.jpg" a=
lt=3D"Group%20New.jpg" width=3D"600" align=3D"center" style=3D"outline: non=
e; text-decoration: none; -ms-interpolation-mode: bicubic; max-width: 100%;=
clear: both; display: block; margin: 0 auto; Margin: 0 auto; float: none; =
text-align: center; height: auto;"><!--[if mso]></center><![end-if]-->
</figure> <p class=3D"align-center" style=3D"color: #3c4144;=
font-family: Georgia,serif; font-weight: 400; padding: 0; margin: 0; Margi=
n: 0; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 10px; Margin-bottom=
: 10px; text-align: center;"><em style=3D"color: #000000; font-size: 11pt; =
font-family: inherit;">Attorneys for the youth plaintiffs from Our Children=
=E2=80=99s Trust, Western Environmental Law Center (WELC), and McGarvey Law=
gather outside the courthouse (Photo by Robin Loznak)</em></p> <p style=3D=
"color: #3c4144; font-family: Georgia,serif; font-weight: 400; padding: 0; =
margin: 0; Margin: 0; text-align: left; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 1.5; =
margin-bottom: 10px; Margin-bottom: 10px;"> </p> <p style=3D"color: #3=
c4144; font-family: Georgia,serif; font-weight: 400; padding: 0; margin: 0;=
Margin: 0; text-align: left; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 1.5; margin-bot=
tom: 10px; Margin-bottom: 10px;"><span style=3D"color: #000000;"><span styl=
e=3D"color: #09b29d;"><strong>Our Thanks & Your Continued Support <br><=
/strong></span>We=E2=80=99d like to close this email, and our final day of =
trial in Montana, with words of gratitude for all of you, the invaluable co=
mmunity of supporters of the <em>Held v. State of Montana</em> youth plaint=
iffs and Our Children=E2=80=99s Trust.</span></p> <p style=3D"color: #3c414=
4; font-family: Georgia,serif; font-weight: 400; padding: 0; margin: 0; Mar=
gin: 0; text-align: left; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom:=
10px; Margin-bottom: 10px;"><span style=3D"color: #000000;">Your <a title=
=3D"support" href=3D"[link removed]
oS3OriSX2ogMo5y6ojKlOqZs-FrWkgGGOlhtv8i0g3U=3D/1HPZ15rlynoMGUzSnfnxrKAqNkWl=
FhUdivdlCFv4ZPs=3D" target=3D"_blank" rel=3D"noopener" style=3D"color: #007=
4d9; text-decoration: none; font-family: Georgia,serif; font-weight: inheri=
t; padding: 0; text-align: left; line-height: 1.5;">support</a> has enabled=
Our Children=E2=80=99s Trust to present this stellar case in Montana, and =
your continued support will enable us to build off this momentum and do lik=
ewise in our federal and state courts across the United States and around t=
he world. Thank you. We cannot do this work without you.</span></p> <p styl=
e=3D"color: #3c4144; font-family: Georgia,serif; font-weight: 400; padding:=
0; margin: 0; Margin: 0; text-align: left; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 1=
.5; margin-bottom: 10px; Margin-bottom: 10px;"> </p> <p style=3D"color=
: #3c4144; font-family: Georgia,serif; font-weight: 400; padding: 0; margin=
: 0; Margin: 0; text-align: left; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 1.5; margin=
-bottom: 10px; Margin-bottom: 10px;"><span style=3D"color: #000000;">With e=
normous gratitude,</span></p> <p style=3D"color: #3c4144; font-family: Geor=
gia,serif; font-weight: 400; padding: 0; margin: 0; Margin: 0; text-align: =
left; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 10px; Margin-bottom=
: 10px;"><span style=3D"color: #000000;">The Team at Our Children=E2=80=99s=
Trust</span></p> <p style=3D"color: #3c4144; font-family: Georgia,serif; f=
ont-weight: 400; padding: 0; margin: 0; Margin: 0; text-align: left; font-s=
ize: 12pt; line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 10px; Margin-bottom: 10px;">&nb=
sp;</p>=20
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ditable" style=3D"border-spacing: 0; border-collapse: collapse; padding: 0;=
vertical-align: top; text-align: left; margin: 0 0 16px; Margin: 0 0 16px;=
max-width: 100%; width: 100%;">=20
<tbody>=20
<tr style=3D"padding: 0; vertical-align: top; text-align: =
left;">=20
<td style=3D"word-wrap: break-word; vertical-align: top; =
color: #3c4144; font-family: Georgia,serif; font-weight: 400; padding: 0; m=
argin: 0; Margin: 0; text-align: left; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 1.5; b=
order-collapse: collapse;">=20
<table class=3D"mceNonEditable" style=3D"border-spacing:=
0; border-collapse: collapse; padding: 0; vertical-align: top; text-align:=
left; max-width: 100%; width: 100%;">=20
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gn: left;">=20
<td style=3D"word-wrap: break-word; vertical-align: t=
op; font-family: Georgia,serif; padding: 0; margin: 0; Margin: 0; backgroun=
d-color: #054570; color: #ffffff; border-collapse: collapse; font-size: 18p=
x; font-weight: 400; line-height: 28px; text-align: center; border-radius: =
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border-radius: 16px; color: #ffffff; padding: 8px 18px; font-size: 18px; fo=
nt-weight: 400; line-height: 28px; text-align: center; border: 0 solid #054=
570;" title=3D"DONATE TODAY AND YOUR GIFT WILL BE MATCHED!" href=3D"https:/=
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p.neoncrm.com/forms/montana" data-text=3D"DONATE TODAY AND YOUR GIFT WILL B=
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t.app.neoncrm.com/neon/resource/ourchildrenstrust/images/OCT%20Icon.png" al=
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lear: both; display: block; margin: 0 auto; Margin: 0 auto; float: none; te=
xt-align: center; height: auto;"><!-- [if mso]></center><![end-if]-->
</figure>=20
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oat: none; text-align: center; height: auto;"><!-- [if mso]></center><![end=
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</figure> <p class=3D"align-center" style=3D"color: #3c4144;=
font-family: Georgia,serif; font-weight: 400; padding: 0; margin: 0; Margi=
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If you're having trouble viewing this email, you can see it online, [link removed].
Dear friends,
Trial concluded this morning in Held v. State of Montana as the court heard closing arguments from attorneys for both the youth plaintiffs and the state.
Watch for an email tomorrow where we will share in full the powerful closing statement delivered by Nate Bellinger, Senior Staff Attorney for
Our Children’s Trust!
Nate Bellinger delivers the closing statement for youth plaintiffs (Photo by Robin Loznak)
Two Kinds of Experts
It’s been an extraordinary seven days of testimony during which we heard from two kinds of experts.
First, we heard from world-renowned experts in their fields, including experts on the physical science of climate change, experts on how Montana is experiencing the effects of climate change, experts on how climate change disproportionately impacts the physical and mental health of youth, experts on how Montana’s government has for decades been actively exacerbating the climate crisis in their state, experts on how Montana’s greenhouse gas emissions are substantial and make the climate emergency worse, and more.
These leaders in their respective fields have all generously donated their time, contributing their testimony in support of the 16 young plaintiffs at no cost, all because they believe so strongly in the merits of their case and in the importance of protecting the rights of youth to a safe climate.
Mica, Eva, and Rikki visit in the courtroom (Photo by Robin Loznak)
This week, we also heard from another kind of expert: the youth plaintiffs. These extraordinary young Montanans took the stand to speak directly to the court. Through tears, laughter, and determination, they shared the devastating ways they have each been impacted by the climate crisis, the ways in which they and their beloved Montana is being harmed by the actions of their own government, and what they need from the court and the state to rectify these harms. The youth have also spoken about their love for their home and their hope and optimism for the future.
The bravery of these young people cannot be overstated. It takes great courage to step into the light and share your truth, much less with the whole world watching. These young Montanans continue to lead the way…
Youth plaintiffs walking and chatting outside the courthouse (Photo by Robin Loznak)
What’s Next?
Judge Kathy Seeley will now take everything she has heard in the courtroom - the testimony, the facts, and the stories - as well as the many documents admitted into evidence into consideration as she determines how to rule in this critical case. We anticipate that it may be weeks, if not months, before we receive a ruling from the court. This is to be expected: this is a big case, with big claims, and the judge has much to consider from this historic trial.
In the meantime, we will continue to share ways in which you can support the youth plaintiffs, through online and in-person actions, to continue spreading the word about their case and demonstrate your solidarity with their bravery and leadership. Stay tuned as the journey toward justice in Montana continues!
Attorneys for the youth plaintiffs from Our Children’s Trust, Western Environmental Law Center (WELC), and McGarvey Law gather outside the courthouse (Photo by Robin Loznak)
Our Thanks & Your Continued Support
We’d like to close this email, and our final day of trial in Montana, with words of gratitude for all of you, the invaluable community of supporters of the Held v. State of Montana youth plaintiffs and Our Children’s Trust.
Your support has enabled Our Children’s Trust to present this stellar case in Montana, and your continued support will enable us to build off this momentum and do likewise in our federal and state courts across the United States and around the world. Thank you. We cannot do this work without you.
With enormous gratitude,
The Team at Our Children’s Trust
DONATE TODAY AND YOUR GIFT WILL BE MATCHED!
Copyright © 2023 Our Children's Trust. All rights reserved.
OCT is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. EIN # 27-3094382
This email was sent to [email protected]. Click here to [link removed].
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g3U=3D.
Dear friends,
Trial concluded this morning in Held v. State of Montana as the court heard=
closing arguments from attorneys for both the youth plaintiffs and the sta=
te.=20
Watch for an email tomorrow where we will share in full the powerful closin=
g statement delivered by Nate Bellinger, Senior Staff Attorney for=20
Our Children=E2=80=99s Trust!
Nate Bellinger delivers the closing statement for youth plaintiffs (Photo b=
y Robin Loznak)
=20
Two Kinds of Experts
It=E2=80=99s been an extraordinary seven days of testimony during which we =
heard from two kinds of experts.
First, we heard from world-renowned experts in their fields, including expe=
rts on the physical science of climate change, experts on how Montana is ex=
periencing the effects of climate change, experts on how climate change dis=
proportionately impacts the physical and mental health of youth, experts on=
how Montana=E2=80=99s government has for decades been actively exacerbatin=
g the climate crisis in their state, experts on how Montana=E2=80=99s green=
house gas emissions are substantial and make the climate emergency worse, a=
nd more.=20
These leaders in their respective fields have all generously donated their =
time, contributing their testimony in support of the 16 young plaintiffs at=
no cost, all because they believe so strongly in the merits of their case =
and in the importance of protecting the rights of youth to a safe climate.
=20
Mica, Eva, and Rikki visit in the courtroom (Photo by Robin Loznak)
=20
This week, we also heard from another kind of expert: the youth plaintiffs.=
These extraordinary young Montanans took the stand to speak directly to th=
e court. Through tears, laughter, and determination, they shared the devast=
ating ways they have each been impacted by the climate crisis, the ways in =
which they and their beloved Montana is being harmed by the actions of thei=
r own government, and what they need from the court and the state to rectif=
y these harms. The youth have also spoken about their love for their home a=
nd their hope and optimism for the future.=20
The bravery of these young people cannot be overstated. It takes great cour=
age to step into the light and share your truth, much less with the whole w=
orld watching. These young Montanans continue to lead the way=E2=80=A6
=20
Youth plaintiffs walking and chatting outside the courthouse (Photo by Robi=
n Loznak)
=20
What=E2=80=99s Next?
Judge Kathy Seeley will now take everything she has heard in the courtroom =
- the testimony, the facts, and the stories - as well as the many documents=
admitted into evidence into consideration as she determines how to rule in=
this critical case. We anticipate that it may be weeks, if not months, bef=
ore we receive a ruling from the court. This is to be expected: this is a b=
ig case, with big claims, and the judge has much to consider from this hist=
oric trial.
In the meantime, we will continue to share ways in which you can support th=
e youth plaintiffs, through online and in-person actions, to continue sprea=
ding the word about their case and demonstrate your solidarity with their b=
ravery and leadership. Stay tuned as the journey toward justice in Montana =
continues!
=20
Attorneys for the youth plaintiffs from Our Children=E2=80=99s Trust, Weste=
rn Environmental Law Center (WELC), and McGarvey Law gather outside the cou=
rthouse (Photo by Robin Loznak)
=20
Our Thanks & Your Continued Support=20
We=E2=80=99d like to close this email, and our final day of trial in Montan=
a, with words of gratitude for all of you, the invaluable community of supp=
orters of the Held v. State of Montana youth plaintiffs and Our Children=E2=
=80=99s Trust.
Your support has enabled Our Children=E2=80=99s Trust to present this stell=
ar case in Montana, and your continued support will enable us to build off =
this momentum and do likewise in our federal and state courts across the Un=
ited States and around the world. Thank you. We cannot do this work without=
you.
=20
With enormous gratitude,
The Team at Our Children=E2=80=99s Trust
=20
DONATE TODAY AND YOUR GIFT WILL BE MATCHED!
=20
Copyright =C2=A9 2023 Our Children's Trust. All rights reserved.
OCT is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. EIN # 27-3094382
This email was sent to [email protected]. Click here to [link removed]
ildrenstrust.app.neoncrm.com/np/clients/ourchildrenstrust/unsubscribeEmail.=
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ft" style=3D"color: #3c4144; font-family: Georgia,serif; font-weight: 400; =
padding: 0; margin: 0; Margin: 0; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 1.5; margin=
-bottom: 10px; Margin-bottom: 10px; text-align: left;"><span style=3D"font-=
size: 12pt;"><span style=3D"color: #09b29d;"><strong>Trial concluded this m=
orning in <em><a style=3D"text-decoration: none; font-family: Georgia,serif=
; font-weight: inherit; padding: 0; text-align: left; line-height: 1.5; col=
or: #09b29d;" title=3D"Held v. State of Montana" href=3D"[link removed]
ails.com/emails/tracking/click-link/oS3OriSX2ogMo5y6ojKlOqZs-FrWkgGGOlhtv8i=
0g3U=3D/1HPZ15rlynoMGUzSnfnxrBJndqI3i-dSka6QG1wOL8M=3D" target=3D"_blank" r=
el=3D"noopener"><span style=3D"text-decoration: underline;">Held v. State o=
f Montana</span></a> </em></strong></span><span style=3D"color: #000000;">a=
s the court heard closing arguments from attorneys for both the youth plain=
tiffs and the state. </span></span></p> <p class=3D"align-center" styl=
e=3D"color: #3c4144; font-family: Georgia,serif; font-weight: 400; padding:=
0; margin: 0; Margin: 0; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom:=
10px; Margin-bottom: 10px; text-align: center;"><span style=3D"color: #054=
570;">Watch for an email tomorrow where we will share in full the powerful =
closing statement delivered by Nate Bellinger, Senior Staff Attorney for <b=
r>Our Children=E2=80=99s Trust!</span></p>=20
<figure class style=3D"margin: 0 0 1rem; Margin: 0 0 1rem;">
<!--[if mso]><center><![end-if]-->
<img class=3D"align-center" src=3D"[link removed]
t.app.neoncrm.com/neon/resource/ourchildrenstrust/images/DSC_6091.jpg" alt=
=3D"DSC_6091.jpg" width=3D"600" align=3D"center" style=3D"outline: none; te=
xt-decoration: none; -ms-interpolation-mode: bicubic; max-width: 100%; clea=
r: both; display: block; margin: 0 auto; Margin: 0 auto; float: none; text-=
align: center; height: auto;"><!--[if mso]></center><![end-if]-->
</figure> <p class=3D"align-center" style=3D"color: #3c4144;=
font-family: Georgia,serif; font-weight: 400; padding: 0; margin: 0; Margi=
n: 0; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 10px; Margin-bottom=
: 10px; text-align: center;"><span style=3D"font-size: 11pt;"><em>Nate Bell=
inger delivers the closing statement for youth plaintiffs (Photo by Robin L=
oznak)</em></span></p> <p style=3D"color: #3c4144; font-family: Georgia,ser=
if; font-weight: 400; padding: 0; margin: 0; Margin: 0; text-align: left; f=
ont-size: 12pt; line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 10px; Margin-bottom: 10px;=
"> </p> <p style=3D"color: #3c4144; font-family: Georgia,serif; font-w=
eight: 400; padding: 0; margin: 0; Margin: 0; text-align: left; font-size: =
12pt; line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 10px; Margin-bottom: 10px;"><span st=
yle=3D"color: #09b29d; font-size: 13pt;"><strong>Two Kinds of Experts</stro=
ng></span></p> <p style=3D"color: #3c4144; font-family: Georgia,serif; font=
-weight: 400; padding: 0; margin: 0; Margin: 0; text-align: left; font-size=
: 12pt; line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 10px; Margin-bottom: 10px;"><span =
style=3D"color: #000000;">It=E2=80=99s been an extraordinary <a href=3D"htt=
ps://api.neonemails.com/emails/tracking/click-link/oS3OriSX2ogMo5y6ojKlOqZs=
-FrWkgGGOlhtv8i0g3U=3D/1HPZ15rlynoMGUzSnfnxrIWAx5V-ST3wiRc9vpTB86c=3D" styl=
e=3D"color: #0074d9; text-decoration: none; font-family: Georgia,serif; fon=
t-weight: inherit; padding: 0; text-align: left; line-height: 1.5;"><span s=
tyle=3D"text-decoration: underline;">seven days of testimony</span></a> dur=
ing which we heard from two kinds of experts.</span></p> <p style=3D"color:=
#3c4144; font-family: Georgia,serif; font-weight: 400; padding: 0; margin:=
0; Margin: 0; text-align: left; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 1.5; margin-=
bottom: 10px; Margin-bottom: 10px;"><span style=3D"color: #000000;">First, =
we heard from <span style=3D"color: #054570;"><strong>world-renowned expert=
s in their fields</strong></span>, including experts on the physical scienc=
e of climate change, experts on how Montana is experiencing the effects of =
climate change, experts on how climate change disproportionately impacts th=
e physical and mental health of youth, experts on how Montana=E2=80=99s gov=
ernment has for decades been actively exacerbating the climate crisis in th=
eir state, experts on how Montana=E2=80=99s greenhouse gas emissions are su=
bstantial and make the climate emergency worse, and more. </span></p> =
<p style=3D"color: #3c4144; font-family: Georgia,serif; font-weight: 400; p=
adding: 0; margin: 0; Margin: 0; text-align: left; font-size: 12pt; line-he=
ight: 1.5; margin-bottom: 10px; Margin-bottom: 10px;"><span style=3D"color:=
#000000;">These leaders in their respective fields have all generously don=
ated their time, contributing their testimony in support of the 16 young pl=
aintiffs at no cost, all because they believe so strongly in the merits of =
their case and in the importance of protecting the rights of youth to a saf=
e climate.</span></p> <p class=3D"align-center" style=3D"color: #3c4144; fo=
nt-family: Georgia,serif; font-weight: 400; padding: 0; margin: 0; Margin: =
0; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 10px; Margin-bottom: 1=
0px; text-align: center;"> </p>=20
<figure class style=3D"margin: 0 0 1rem; Margin: 0 0 1rem;">
<!--[if mso]><center><![end-if]-->
<img class=3D"align-center" src=3D"[link removed]
t.app.neoncrm.com/neon/resource/ourchildrenstrust/images/Mont_%20Day%206%20=
005.JPG" alt=3D"Mont_%20Day%206%xxxxxx.JPG" width=3D"600" align=3D"center" s=
tyle=3D"outline: none; text-decoration: none; -ms-interpolation-mode: bicub=
ic; max-width: 100%; clear: both; display: block; margin: 0 auto; Margin: 0=
auto; float: none; text-align: center; height: auto;"><!--[if mso]></cente=
r><![end-if]-->
</figure> <p class=3D"align-center" style=3D"color: #3c4144;=
font-family: Georgia,serif; font-weight: 400; padding: 0; margin: 0; Margi=
n: 0; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 10px; Margin-bottom=
: 10px; text-align: center;"><span style=3D"color: #000000; font-size: 11pt=
;"><em>Mica, Eva, and Rikki visit in the courtroom (Photo by Robin Loznak)<=
/em></span></p> <p class=3D"align-center" style=3D"color: #3c4144; font-fam=
ily: Georgia,serif; font-weight: 400; padding: 0; margin: 0; Margin: 0; fon=
t-size: 12pt; line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 10px; Margin-bottom: 10px; t=
ext-align: center;"> </p> <p style=3D"color: #3c4144; font-family: Geo=
rgia,serif; font-weight: 400; padding: 0; margin: 0; Margin: 0; text-align:=
left; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 10px; Margin-botto=
m: 10px;"><span style=3D"color: #000000;">This week, we also heard from ano=
ther kind of expert: <span style=3D"color: #054570;"><strong>the youth plai=
ntiffs</strong></span>. These extraordinary young Montanans took the stand =
to speak directly to the court. Through tears, laughter, and determination,=
they shared the devastating ways they have each been impacted by the clima=
te crisis, the ways in which they and their beloved Montana is being harmed=
by the actions of their own government, and what they need from the court =
and the state to rectify these harms. The youth have also spoken about thei=
r love for their home and their hope and optimism for the future. </sp=
an></p> <p style=3D"color: #3c4144; font-family: Georgia,serif; font-weight=
: 400; padding: 0; margin: 0; Margin: 0; text-align: left; font-size: 12pt;=
line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 10px; Margin-bottom: 10px;"><span style=
=3D"color: #000000;">The bravery of these young people cannot be overstated=
. It takes great courage to step into the light and share your truth, much =
less with the whole world watching. <span style=3D"color: #09b29d;"><strong=
>These young Montanans continue to lead the way=E2=80=A6</strong></span></s=
pan></p> <p class=3D"align-center" style=3D"color: #3c4144; font-family: Ge=
orgia,serif; font-weight: 400; padding: 0; margin: 0; Margin: 0; font-size:=
12pt; line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 10px; Margin-bottom: 10px; text-ali=
gn: center;"> </p>=20
<figure class style=3D"margin: 0 0 1rem; Margin: 0 0 1rem;">
<!--[if mso]><center><![end-if]-->
<img class=3D"align-center" src=3D"[link removed]
t.app.neoncrm.com/neon/resource/ourchildrenstrust/images/DSC_5395.jpg" alt=
=3D"DSC_5395.jpg" width=3D"600" align=3D"center" style=3D"outline: none; te=
xt-decoration: none; -ms-interpolation-mode: bicubic; max-width: 100%; clea=
r: both; display: block; margin: 0 auto; Margin: 0 auto; float: none; text-=
align: center; height: auto;"><!--[if mso]></center><![end-if]-->
</figure> <p class=3D"align-center" style=3D"color: #3c4144;=
font-family: Georgia,serif; font-weight: 400; padding: 0; margin: 0; Margi=
n: 0; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 10px; Margin-bottom=
: 10px; text-align: center;"><span style=3D"font-size: 11pt;"><em><span sty=
le=3D"color: #000000;">Youth plaintiffs walking and chatting outside the co=
urthouse (Photo by Robin Loznak)</span></em></span></p> <p class=3D"align-l=
eft" style=3D"color: #3c4144; font-family: Georgia,serif; font-weight: 400;=
padding: 0; margin: 0; Margin: 0; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 1.5; margi=
n-bottom: 10px; Margin-bottom: 10px; text-align: left;"> </p> <p style=
=3D"color: #3c4144; font-family: Georgia,serif; font-weight: 400; padding: =
0; margin: 0; Margin: 0; text-align: left; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 1.=
5; margin-bottom: 10px; Margin-bottom: 10px;"><span style=3D"color: #09b29d=
;"><strong>What=E2=80=99s Next?</strong></span><br><span style=3D"color: #0=
00000;">Judge Kathy Seeley will now take everything she has heard in the co=
urtroom - the testimony, the facts, and the stories - as well as the many d=
ocuments admitted into evidence into consideration as she determines how to=
rule in this critical case. We anticipate that it may be weeks, if not mon=
ths, before we receive a ruling from the court. This is to be expected: thi=
s is a big case, with big claims, and the judge has much to consider from t=
his historic trial.</span></p> <p style=3D"color: #3c4144; font-family: Geo=
rgia,serif; font-weight: 400; padding: 0; margin: 0; Margin: 0; text-align:=
left; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 10px; Margin-botto=
m: 10px;"><span style=3D"color: #000000;">In the meantime, we will continue=
to share ways in which you can support the youth plaintiffs, through onlin=
e and in-person actions, to continue spreading the word about their case an=
d demonstrate your solidarity with their bravery and leadership. <strong>St=
ay tuned as the journey toward justice in Montana continues!</strong></span=
></p> <p style=3D"color: #3c4144; font-family: Georgia,serif; font-weight: =
400; padding: 0; margin: 0; Margin: 0; text-align: left; font-size: 12pt; l=
ine-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 10px; Margin-bottom: 10px;"> </p>=20
<figure class style=3D"margin: 0 0 1rem; Margin: 0 0 1rem;">
<!--[if mso]><center><![end-if]-->
<img class=3D"align-center" src=3D"[link removed]
t.app.neoncrm.com/neon/resource/ourchildrenstrust/images/Group%20New.jpg" a=
lt=3D"Group%20New.jpg" width=3D"600" align=3D"center" style=3D"outline: non=
e; text-decoration: none; -ms-interpolation-mode: bicubic; max-width: 100%;=
clear: both; display: block; margin: 0 auto; Margin: 0 auto; float: none; =
text-align: center; height: auto;"><!--[if mso]></center><![end-if]-->
</figure> <p class=3D"align-center" style=3D"color: #3c4144;=
font-family: Georgia,serif; font-weight: 400; padding: 0; margin: 0; Margi=
n: 0; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 10px; Margin-bottom=
: 10px; text-align: center;"><em style=3D"color: #000000; font-size: 11pt; =
font-family: inherit;">Attorneys for the youth plaintiffs from Our Children=
=E2=80=99s Trust, Western Environmental Law Center (WELC), and McGarvey Law=
gather outside the courthouse (Photo by Robin Loznak)</em></p> <p style=3D=
"color: #3c4144; font-family: Georgia,serif; font-weight: 400; padding: 0; =
margin: 0; Margin: 0; text-align: left; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 1.5; =
margin-bottom: 10px; Margin-bottom: 10px;"> </p> <p style=3D"color: #3=
c4144; font-family: Georgia,serif; font-weight: 400; padding: 0; margin: 0;=
Margin: 0; text-align: left; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 1.5; margin-bot=
tom: 10px; Margin-bottom: 10px;"><span style=3D"color: #000000;"><span styl=
e=3D"color: #09b29d;"><strong>Our Thanks & Your Continued Support <br><=
/strong></span>We=E2=80=99d like to close this email, and our final day of =
trial in Montana, with words of gratitude for all of you, the invaluable co=
mmunity of supporters of the <em>Held v. State of Montana</em> youth plaint=
iffs and Our Children=E2=80=99s Trust.</span></p> <p style=3D"color: #3c414=
4; font-family: Georgia,serif; font-weight: 400; padding: 0; margin: 0; Mar=
gin: 0; text-align: left; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom:=
10px; Margin-bottom: 10px;"><span style=3D"color: #000000;">Your <a title=
=3D"support" href=3D"[link removed]
oS3OriSX2ogMo5y6ojKlOqZs-FrWkgGGOlhtv8i0g3U=3D/1HPZ15rlynoMGUzSnfnxrKAqNkWl=
FhUdivdlCFv4ZPs=3D" target=3D"_blank" rel=3D"noopener" style=3D"color: #007=
4d9; text-decoration: none; font-family: Georgia,serif; font-weight: inheri=
t; padding: 0; text-align: left; line-height: 1.5;">support</a> has enabled=
Our Children=E2=80=99s Trust to present this stellar case in Montana, and =
your continued support will enable us to build off this momentum and do lik=
ewise in our federal and state courts across the United States and around t=
he world. Thank you. We cannot do this work without you.</span></p> <p styl=
e=3D"color: #3c4144; font-family: Georgia,serif; font-weight: 400; padding:=
0; margin: 0; Margin: 0; text-align: left; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 1=
.5; margin-bottom: 10px; Margin-bottom: 10px;"> </p> <p style=3D"color=
: #3c4144; font-family: Georgia,serif; font-weight: 400; padding: 0; margin=
: 0; Margin: 0; text-align: left; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 1.5; margin=
-bottom: 10px; Margin-bottom: 10px;"><span style=3D"color: #000000;">With e=
normous gratitude,</span></p> <p style=3D"color: #3c4144; font-family: Geor=
gia,serif; font-weight: 400; padding: 0; margin: 0; Margin: 0; text-align: =
left; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 10px; Margin-bottom=
: 10px;"><span style=3D"color: #000000;">The Team at Our Children=E2=80=99s=
Trust</span></p> <p style=3D"color: #3c4144; font-family: Georgia,serif; f=
ont-weight: 400; padding: 0; margin: 0; Margin: 0; text-align: left; font-s=
ize: 12pt; line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 10px; Margin-bottom: 10px;">&nb=
sp;</p>=20
<table class=3D"button expanded rounded email-button mceNonE=
ditable" style=3D"border-spacing: 0; border-collapse: collapse; padding: 0;=
vertical-align: top; text-align: left; margin: 0 0 16px; Margin: 0 0 16px;=
max-width: 100%; width: 100%;">=20
<tbody>=20
<tr style=3D"padding: 0; vertical-align: top; text-align: =
left;">=20
<td style=3D"word-wrap: break-word; vertical-align: top; =
color: #3c4144; font-family: Georgia,serif; font-weight: 400; padding: 0; m=
argin: 0; Margin: 0; text-align: left; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 1.5; b=
order-collapse: collapse;">=20
<table class=3D"mceNonEditable" style=3D"border-spacing:=
0; border-collapse: collapse; padding: 0; vertical-align: top; text-align:=
left; max-width: 100%; width: 100%;">=20
<tbody>=20
<tr style=3D"padding: 0; vertical-align: top; text-ali=
gn: left;">=20
<td style=3D"word-wrap: break-word; vertical-align: t=
op; font-family: Georgia,serif; padding: 0; margin: 0; Margin: 0; backgroun=
d-color: #054570; color: #ffffff; border-collapse: collapse; font-size: 18p=
x; font-weight: 400; line-height: 28px; text-align: center; border-radius: =
16px; border: 0 solid #054570;">
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<a class=3D"titan__email-button mceEditable" style=
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ne; display: inline-block; width: 100%; padding-left: 0; padding-right: 0; =
border-radius: 16px; color: #ffffff; padding: 8px 18px; font-size: 18px; fo=
nt-weight: 400; line-height: 28px; text-align: center; border: 0 solid #054=
570;" title=3D"DONATE TODAY AND YOUR GIFT WILL BE MATCHED!" href=3D"https:/=
/api.neonemails.com/emails/tracking/click-link/oS3OriSX2ogMo5y6ojKlOqZs-FrW=
kgGGOlhtv8i0g3U=3D/1HPZ15rlynoMGUzSnfnxrBSDGlagyftuUI1pDBtjVww=3D" target=
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282968" data-textcolor=3D"#FFFFFF" data-url=3D"[link removed]
p.neoncrm.com/forms/montana" data-text=3D"DONATE TODAY AND YOUR GIFT WILL B=
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</table> </td>=20
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</tbody>=20
</table> <p style=3D"color: #3c4144; font-family: Georgia,se=
rif; font-weight: 400; padding: 0; margin: 0; Margin: 0; text-align: left; =
font-size: 12pt; line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 10px; Margin-bottom: 10px=
;"> </p>=20
<figure class style=3D"margin: 0 0 1rem; Margin: 0 0 1rem;">
<img class=3D"align-center" src=3D"[link removed]
t.app.neoncrm.com/neon/resource/ourchildrenstrust/images/OCT%20Icon.png" al=
t=3D"OCT%20Icon.png" width=3D"139" align=3D"center" style=3D"outline: none;=
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lear: both; display: block; margin: 0 auto; Margin: 0 auto; float: none; te=
xt-align: center; height: auto;"><!-- [if mso]></center><![end-if]-->
</figure>=20
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oat: none; text-align: center; height: auto;"><!-- [if mso]></center><![end=
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font-family: Georgia,serif; font-weight: 400; padding: 0; margin: 0; Margi=
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style=3D"font-size: 9pt;">OCT is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. EIN # 27-309=
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If you're having trouble viewing this email, you can see it online, [link removed].
Dear friends,
Trial concluded this morning in Held v. State of Montana as the court heard closing arguments from attorneys for both the youth plaintiffs and the state.
Watch for an email tomorrow where we will share in full the powerful closing statement delivered by Nate Bellinger, Senior Staff Attorney for
Our Children’s Trust!
Nate Bellinger delivers the closing statement for youth plaintiffs (Photo by Robin Loznak)
Two Kinds of Experts
It’s been an extraordinary seven days of testimony during which we heard from two kinds of experts.
First, we heard from world-renowned experts in their fields, including experts on the physical science of climate change, experts on how Montana is experiencing the effects of climate change, experts on how climate change disproportionately impacts the physical and mental health of youth, experts on how Montana’s government has for decades been actively exacerbating the climate crisis in their state, experts on how Montana’s greenhouse gas emissions are substantial and make the climate emergency worse, and more.
These leaders in their respective fields have all generously donated their time, contributing their testimony in support of the 16 young plaintiffs at no cost, all because they believe so strongly in the merits of their case and in the importance of protecting the rights of youth to a safe climate.
Mica, Eva, and Rikki visit in the courtroom (Photo by Robin Loznak)
This week, we also heard from another kind of expert: the youth plaintiffs. These extraordinary young Montanans took the stand to speak directly to the court. Through tears, laughter, and determination, they shared the devastating ways they have each been impacted by the climate crisis, the ways in which they and their beloved Montana is being harmed by the actions of their own government, and what they need from the court and the state to rectify these harms. The youth have also spoken about their love for their home and their hope and optimism for the future.
The bravery of these young people cannot be overstated. It takes great courage to step into the light and share your truth, much less with the whole world watching. These young Montanans continue to lead the way…
Youth plaintiffs walking and chatting outside the courthouse (Photo by Robin Loznak)
What’s Next?
Judge Kathy Seeley will now take everything she has heard in the courtroom - the testimony, the facts, and the stories - as well as the many documents admitted into evidence into consideration as she determines how to rule in this critical case. We anticipate that it may be weeks, if not months, before we receive a ruling from the court. This is to be expected: this is a big case, with big claims, and the judge has much to consider from this historic trial.
In the meantime, we will continue to share ways in which you can support the youth plaintiffs, through online and in-person actions, to continue spreading the word about their case and demonstrate your solidarity with their bravery and leadership. Stay tuned as the journey toward justice in Montana continues!
Attorneys for the youth plaintiffs from Our Children’s Trust, Western Environmental Law Center (WELC), and McGarvey Law gather outside the courthouse (Photo by Robin Loznak)
Our Thanks & Your Continued Support
We’d like to close this email, and our final day of trial in Montana, with words of gratitude for all of you, the invaluable community of supporters of the Held v. State of Montana youth plaintiffs and Our Children’s Trust.
Your support has enabled Our Children’s Trust to present this stellar case in Montana, and your continued support will enable us to build off this momentum and do likewise in our federal and state courts across the United States and around the world. Thank you. We cannot do this work without you.
With enormous gratitude,
The Team at Our Children’s Trust
DONATE TODAY AND YOUR GIFT WILL BE MATCHED!
Copyright © 2023 Our Children's Trust. All rights reserved.
OCT is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. EIN # 27-3094382
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