In June 2023, 16 young people made history in the US as their lawsuit against the state of Montana became the first youth-led constitutional case to reach trial. They argued that Montana's permissive approach to approving fossil fuel projects violated their constitutional right to a clean and healthful environment.

They won. Now, some of these young activists are taking on Trump.

In this episode of Climate Court Voices, we speak with Rikki Held – lead plaintiff on the Held v Montana case and a plaintiff in a new lawsuit against the Trump administration, and Nate Bellinger – senior staff attorney at our Children's Trust, the non-profit law firm behind the two climate lawsuits.

They discuss the increasing role of youth in climate litigation battles and how the US has changed under the second Trump administration.

Timestamps:

(00:00) Intro

(01:38) Climate change in Montana

(06:16) Held v Montana

(07:57) Going to trial

(11:47) Young plaintiffs score historic win

(14:06) Appeal and second victory

(15:05) US climate policy under Trump

(18:57) Trump is bringing back coal

(19:36) Lighthiser v Trump

(22:53) Case dismissed and appeal

(24:26) Rule of law under Trump

(27:29) Role of youth in climate litigation

(29:40) Rikki's advice for young climate activists