Dear John,
Today, on International Human Rights Day, 13 courageous young Montanans are taking a historic step to protect their rights and uphold the rule of law. These youth, all plaintiffs in Held v. State of Montana, are returning to the Montana Supreme Court because their state is openly defying the Constitution and their landmark win. On a day dedicated to protecting fundamental rights worldwide, it is fitting that these youth are taking action to defend their constitutional rights.
The petition, Held v. State of Montana II asks the Court to strike down new unconstitutional laws, enforce the Held ruling, and ensure Montana fulfills its constitutional duty to protect a clean and healthful environment for current and future generations.
In Held, the Court was unmistakably clear: Montana’s youth have a constitutional right to a clean and healthful environment, including a stable climate system, and they are being harmed by climate change right now. The Court also affirmed that every additional ton of greenhouse gas pollution worsens those injuries.
Instead of complying with the ruling, the 2025 Montana Legislature passed new laws specifically designed to undermine Held. State agencies are now blocked (again) from fully considering or regulating greenhouse gas pollution while fossil fuel permits continue to be approved. These actions deepen the harms the Supreme Court has already recognized the youth are experiencing.
Because all the facts were already established in Held, there are no remaining facts left to argue in court. That’s why this case can — and must — go directly to the Montana Supreme Court now: the harms are ongoing, the State is openly defying the Court’s decision, and the Supreme Court can enforce its ruling with the urgency the situation demands.
No young person should have to watch their victory be erased while their health, safety, and future are put at risk.
WHY HELD V. MONTANA II MATTERS
This case is about more than laws. It is about whether constitutional rights have meaning. It is about whether the State must protect its young people. And it is about whether a historic victory for children’s climate rights will be honored or ignored.
