WE WON!!!

Today, for the first time in United States history, a court ruled on the merits of a case that the government violated the constitutional rights of children through laws and actions that promote fossil fuels, ignore climate change, and disproportionately imperil young people.

In a sweeping win for our 16 young clients, the Honorable Judge Kathy Seeley declared Montana’s fossil fuel-promoting laws are unconstitutional and stopped their implementation. 

As fires rage in the West, fueled by fossil fuel pollution, today’s ruling in Montana is a game-changer. It marks a turning point in this young generation’s efforts to save the planet from the devastating effects of human-caused climate chaos.

This is a huge win for youth.

This is a win for democracy.

This is a win for science.

This is a win for our climate. 

This is a win for constitutional rights.

This is a win for the rule of law.

This is a win for Montana.

This is a win for the youth climate movement, the human rights movement, the social justice movement, the children’s rights movement, the environmental movement. Our Children’s Trust sits at the heart of all of these movements.

And this is a huge win for our community of supporters and partners. Thank you.

Youth plaintiffs holding notes of support received from fellow young Montanans, June 2023

(Photo by Robin Loznak)

More rulings like this will certainly come.

Today to celebrate, the Murray and Jan Ritland Fund has made a $50,000 challenge grant to encourage ongoing support of Our Children’s Trust. Your gift will be matched dollar-for-dollar.  

WE WON.

We continue to need dollars to fund this litigation effort, as we prepare for an anticipated appeal from the state of Montana to their Supreme Court. Invest today in the future of Montana youth and young people around the world.

Thank you for believing, trusting, and working with us for this win.

Julia Olson