Republicans urge reversal of landmark ruling in Montana climate change lawsuit by young plaintiffs

Associated Press

HELENA, Mont. (AP) — Republican officials in Montana are pressing the state Supreme Court to overturn a landmark climate ruling in a lawsuit brought by young environmentalists. Last year’s decision said regulators must consider global warming emissions when approving oil, gas and coal projects. But legal experts say it must be upheld by the high court if it is to set a lasting legal precent. The young plaintiffs testified that worsening wildfire smoke chokes the air they breathe and drought has depleted vital rivers and streams. Montana officials say emissions from the state are insignificant on a global scale and that climate change can’t be solved through court rulings.