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Dear John,

History was made in Missoula last week. 

For the first time ever, a federal court heard live testimony in a constitutional climate case led by young people. Over two powerful days, the youth plaintiffs in Lighthiser v. Trump stood before a judge and told their truth — about wildfire evacuations, asthma attacks, heat stroke, mental health struggles, and a government putting their lives at risk. 

Inside, the young plaintiffs never wavered. Even under sharp cross-examination from attorneys representing the Trump administration, they remained unshakably clear about what’s at stake: their lives, their freedoms, and their country. 

They weren’t alone. Expert witnesses — from Nobel Prize-winning scientists to economists and pediatricians — backed them with powerful evidence. 

And the government? Presented zero witnesses. No facts. No experts. Just an unbelievable argument that the President has the power to do whatever he wants. 

Outside the courthouse, Montanans showed up with purpose. Students, families, elders, faith leaders, and community partners gathered early each morning, holding signs, singing, and standing in solidarity. Each morning, one supporter lined the sidewalk with marigolds, creating a path of warmth and hope for the youth plaintiffs as they entered the courtroom. In the evenings, the plaintiffs and families gathered the flowers and wove them into leis — a quiet, powerful symbol of unity between Big Sky Country and Island Aloha. 

Here’s what happened inside the courtroom:

For a fuller description of the hearing and all the powerful testimony, you can read our detailed blog here.

Day 1: Youth Voices Take the Stand & National Leaders Back Them Up 

Joseph, 19, from California, described how extreme heat sent him to the hospital, where he fought for his life, conditions that will worsen with every additional increment of fossil fuel pollution, and how cuts to federal climate science programs forced him to abandon his Environmental Policy studies. 

Jorja, 17, spoke about protecting “my Montana”, recounted a devastating flood, worsening wildfire smoke, and the emotional toll of watching her home environment deteriorate, all of which will deepen if the executive orders stand. 

Avery, 20, shared how from coast to coast, wildfires in Oregon and hurricanes in Florida have caused her financial hardship and climate anxiety about where she can safely live, threats that are exacerbated by the loss of federal warning systems and national climate assessments. She also described her fear of starting a family if executive directives unleash even more fossil fuels.  

Jeff, 11, talked about having to stay indoors because wildfire smoke threatens him and his brother’s lung conditions, which will only get worse if the President’s directives are not stopped. 

Then, the courtroom heard from national experts:

Dr. Steven Running, a Nobel Peace Prize-winning climate scientist, testified that fossil fuel pollution resulting from the President’s new energy policies will accelerate climate change and directly harm these young plaintiffs. He warned that shutting down climate satellites and observatories would cut off the data needed to respond to these impacts. He explained that the Keeling CO₂ curve, also at risk, is as crucial to science as the DNA double helix. 

John Podesta, former White House Senior Advisor for International Climate Policy, testified that the executive orders at the heart of this case dismantle federal climate scientific research and findings—the foundation of all pollution control regulations—and direct fossil fuel expansion at the expense of public health and the Constitution.

Dr. Mark Jacobson, Stanford engineer and energy expert, brought hope to the courtroom and testified that renewable energy can fully power the United States. It’s reliable, affordable, and does not require dependence on fossil fuels. He described how putting a wind turbine on every abandoned oil and gas well would not only generate 2/3s of the energy the world needs but would save 100,000 American lives each year. 

Day 2: More Testimony & Evidence of Harm 

Dr. Geoffrey Heal, a world-renowned energy and natural resources economist, testified that there is no energy emergency — only long-term economic harm caused by obstructing clean energy, the cheapest form of energy today.

Nicole Hughes, Executive Director of Renewable Northwest, testified that federal policy is blocking wind and solar projects, causing people to lose jobs and millions in renewable investments and warned that utilities may soon be unable to meet regional energy demand due to the executive orders blocking renewables. 

Dr. Lori Byron, a pediatrician with nearly 40 years of experience in Montana and a climate and health expert, explained that children are especially vulnerable to fossil fuel pollution and extreme weather and that many of the plaintiffs are living in counties with “F” grades for air quality from the American Lung Association, which will only worsen under the President’s policies. 

Isaiah, 17, from Missoula, gave powerful testimony about wildfire evacuations, worsening heat, and how climate change is shaping his generation's mental health.

Closing Arguments: A Call for Constitutional Courage 

In closing, lead attorney Julia Olson warned the court that the President’s executive orders are harming the plaintiffs now and could cut their young lives short. 

“One of the plaintiffs passed me this note: ‘People get a choice about how fast they go on a highway. But we can’t choose how much coal is driven through my town.’ And that is what this case is about.” 

Julia framed this case as a turning point: just as courts once rose to end segregation, she asked this court to rise to protect young people’s most basic constitutional right—the right to life itself. 

What Happens Next 

The court will now consider: 

• Plaintiffs’ motion for a preliminary injunction to halt the dangerous executive orders 

• Motions to dismiss filed by the federal government and intervening states 

There is no set timeline for a ruling, but we hope for a swift ruling on the preliminary injunction because each day, this administration takes another step to implement these unconstitutional executive orders, locking in more harm to these young people and blocking the wind and solar energy solutions that are ready revolutionize our country. 

22 young plaintiffs. $44,000 in matching funds. 

Please consider making a gift today to make twice the difference. Two champions have committed $44,000 to match your donation dollar-for-dollar, doubling your power to help the 22 brave young people challenging Trump’s climate-destructive executive orders. Special thanks to the Brown Foundation for their support. 

With your help, these young people can continue this groundbreaking effort to protect their lives and defend science in court. 

Double Your Impact!

Thank you for standing with us. 

With deep gratitude, 

The Team at Our Children’s Trust