CONTACT: Sasha Tenenbaum
Senior Manager, Media and Public Engagement
stenenbaum@momscleanairforce.org
(917) 887- 0146
Washington, DC— This week, Moms Clean Air Force’s Montana field organizer Michelle Uberuaga traveled 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 standards 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.
For your reporting needs:
- Photos for media use. Please use the following photo credit: “Issac Rowland for Moms Clean Air Force.”
- Twitter coverage of the trial.
- Media advisory with Michelle Uberuaga’s statement.
- Blog post about the historic trial.
- More information and livestream details.