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Dear friends,
Trial concluded this morning in Held v. State of Montanaas 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.
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