Young people in Montana put climate first

In her bio for Our Children’s Trust, fifth-generation cattle rancher Rikki Held, the lead plaintiff in the constitutional climate change lawsuit Held v. Montana states, “I want to ensure that basic human rights outlined in the Montana Constitution, such as the right to a clean and healthful environment, are upheld.” This right is listed as inalienable under Montana’s Constitution. In the groundbreaking trial, 16 young plaintiffs are asking a judge to declare HB 971 unconstitutional.

Valley Views

Alex Amonette Hattie Hobart

The law limits Montana’s ability to compete in future energy markets and makes it harder for Montanans to speak up for the health of their communities. Coal plants produce particulate air pollution, as well as carbon dioxide, which can be incredibly harmful to lungs of all ages.

Rikki Held’s ranch is near Colstrip and Cedar Creek. Several times over the past few years the air quality on her family ranch has been ranked as some of the worst in the country due to wildfires and emissions from these

Giving up on any number of things in life when they don’t turn out quite as expected.

I really wanted a red peony in my garden. My neighbor has one and I love the look of hers. I tried to get one of my own, but mine turned out to be pink. And I guess that’s okay. I don’t sweat the small stuff anymore.

Well, unless it’s the color of flowers. Then, I definitely do. At least I did today. Kyle and I can both plants.

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The plaintiffs in Held vs. Montana made headlines nationwide in June, however, they weren’t the only young people working on climate this summer.

This June, the American Conservation Coalition brought 300 see page 11

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