Montana Legislators Counter Youth Climate Suit with Restrictive Bills

Following a landmark court ruling in favor of young climate activists, Montana’s Republican lawmakers introduced legislation to limit environmental litigation and restructure the judiciary. The prior court decision had mandated that state agencies weigh climate impacts before greenlighting fossil fuel projects, stirring hope among environmental advocates. Now, new bills aim to curtail that requirement and restrict how citizens—especially youth—can sue over climate policies. Critics say it’s an attempt to sidestep judicial oversight. Supporters claim it prevents costly lawsuits that hamper economic development. Tension is mounting over whether Montana’s constitutional climate protections will endure or be watered down by legislative action.