A Montana judge ruled yesterday in favor of young people who claimed the state violated their right to a “clean and healthful environment”
Look West: Public lands and energy news from the Center for Western Priorities
** Judge rules in favor of Montana youth in landmark climate case
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Tuesday, August 15, 2023
Smoke billows from the 2017 Blacktail Fire in Montana's Crazy Mountains. USDA, Flickr ([link removed])
A Montana judge ruled yesterday ([link removed]) in favor of young people who claimed the state violated their right to a “clean and healthful environment” by promoting the use of fossil fuels. Led by 16 children, teens, and young adults, this is the first U.S. youth-led climate trial. The win could reshape climate litigation across the country and inspire a wave of cases aimed at holding governments and fossil fuel companies accountable for their climate impact.
Judge Kathy Seeley ([link removed]) of the 1st District Court in Montana issued the decision following a trial in June, where plaintiffs testified about injuries they have suffered as a result of climate change causing extreme weather, exacerbating wildfires, drying up rivers, and worsening health conditions such as asthma. Montana is one of a few states to include environmental rights in its state constitution, a provision added in a 1972 amendment that the state would “maintain and improve a clean and healthful environment in Montana for present and future generations.” Seeley ruled ([link removed]) that the state legislature violated this amendment when it revised the Montana Environmental Policy Act to exclude consideration of climate emissions.
“Today’s ruling in Montana is a game-changer that marks a turning point in this generation’s efforts to save the planet from the devastating effects of human-caused climate chaos,” said Julia Olson ([link removed]) , chief legal counsel and executive director of Our Children’s Trust, which represented the youth in the case. “This is a huge win for Montana, for youth, for democracy, and for our climate. More rulings like this will certainly come.”
BLM scrapping much-anticipated livestock grazing rule
The Bureau of Land Management is discontinuing ([link removed]) its year-long effort to update a decades-old livestock grazing rule. Rather than pursuing a new rule, the BLM told E&E News ([link removed]) it will focus on managing changes through internal policies and guidance to its field offices. This decision was unexpected, given previous indications that there would be a formal rulemaking in September. Critics of this decision worry that changes will be made without transparency or public input. The BLM statement did not cite a reason for the change in approach.
** Quick hits
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Judge rules in favor of Montana youth in landmark climate decision
Washington Post ([link removed]) | New York Times ([link removed]) |E&E News ([link removed]) | Montana Public Radio ([link removed])
Wildfire risks are rising across U.S., from Hawaii to Oregon to Texas
Washington Post ([link removed])
BLM scrapping much-anticipated livestock grazing rule
E&E News ([link removed])
Natural gas pipeline for Teton County customers will go through ‘core’ sage grouse habitat
Wyoming Public Radio ([link removed])
Stretch of New Mexico road known as the 'Valley of Death' may be transformed into a safe wildlife crossing
Albuquerque Journal ([link removed])
Opinion: BLM rule will protect public lands from contamination and neglect
Flathead Beacon ([link removed])
See inside the Grand Canyon region’s new monument
High Country News ([link removed])
Teenager survives almost 100-foot fall in Grand Canyon
Washington Post ([link removed]) | Time ([link removed])
** Quote of the day
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” A defining feature of this history was the mining companies’ blatant disregard for worker safety and environmental safeguards. When the price of uranium ore collapsed at the end of the Cold War, the companies abandoned thousands of mines, leaving tailings piles that continue to contaminate the soil and water. This history is not forgotten by the tribes in the area.”
—Len Necefer, CEO and Founder of NativesOutdoors, High Country News ([link removed])
** Picture This
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@usinterior ([link removed])
The prairie sunflower is a striking and vibrant flower that adds a beautiful touch to the sandy landscape of @greatsanddunesnps ([link removed]) . Its bright yellow petals and dark center create a stunning contrast against the surrounding dunes and grasslands.
When visiting the park during a wet summer, you can expect to see these lovely flowers adorning the landscape, attracting pollinators such as bees and butterflies.
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