CONTACT: Sasha Tenenbaum
Senior Manager, Media and Public Engagement
stenenbaum@momscleanairforce.org
(917) 887- 0146
MEDIA ADVISORY
WHAT: On June 12, Moms Clean Air Force’s Montana field organizer Michelle Uberuaga will travel to Helena, the Montana state capital, to support the 16 young people from across the state who are suing their government in Held v. State of Montana. These youth plaintiffs argue that Montana violated their “right to a clean and healthful environment,” which is guaranteed by the state’s constitution. The lawsuit alleges that the state’s fossil fuel energy system is degrading and depleting Montana’s constitutionally protected public trust resources, including the atmosphere, rivers and lakes, and fish and wildlife.The youth are represented by Our Children’s Trust, a non-profit law firm that has sued state governments on behalf of youth in all 50 states, but this suit stands apart as the first of these cases to go to trial. The suit has captured national attention, all the more so recently with a host of developments that challenge the state’s ability to meaningfully address climate change impacts.
Ahead of the trial opening, Michelle released the following statement:
“I’m proud to support the youth plaintiffs in Held v. State of Montana as they boldly take on the fight of–and for–their lifetime. This is a historic moment in Montana and across the country.
“Under the Montana constitution, all Montanans have a fundamental right to a clean and healthful environment. Yet, destructive wildfires, 500-year-flood events, and other climate disasters are threatening our air, water, and homes. Our youth don’t want to leave their future in the hands of adults alone, so they’ve traded soccer games and school dances for depositions and conference rooms full of attorneys. In pursuit of a safe and livable future, our youth are making enormous sacrifices. At the same time, these youth have so much to show for their perseverance in what is the first youth case challenging a state’s pro-fossil fuel policies that has gone to trial.
“I am traveling to Helena to make sure these young people know that they aren’t in this fight alone. We see them, we hear them, and we will stand with them to celebrate this historic moment and will work alongside them to protect their future. It’s our responsibility as adults and as parents to make sure that our kids and generations to come have clean air, clean water, and a safe home. Nothing could be more important for their future.
“We are immensely proud to be Montanans today.”
WHO: Michelle Uberuaga, Moms Clean Air Force’s Montana field organizer, is available to speak with media. Please contact us to schedule an interview. Michelle knows several of the plaintiffs personally and can speak to what this process has been like for the kids involved in the years-long trial. As the mother of three children, she can also offer the parent’s perspective. Michelle is also an environmental attorney and has spent years working to defend Montanans’ constitutional right to a clean and healthful environment.
WHEN: The trial dates are June 12-23. The trial begins each day at 9 AM MT and concludes at 5 PM MT. Michelle will be in Helena to support the plaintiffs during the first two days (June 12 and 13) and is available to speak to media before, during, and after the trial.
WHERE: The trial will be livestreamed. Find details here.
FOR MORE INFORMATION: Visit the Held v. State of Montana webpage maintained by Our Children’s Trust.
FOR PHOTO DESKS: Photos for media use will be uploaded here on June 12 and 13.