(DCWatchdog.com) – In an utter shock to conservatives, the Montana Supreme Court has decided to uphold the constitutional right to a clean environment, an indication of how far left climate activism has infiltrated state-level judiciary.
See the tweet below!
This progressive agenda is now forcing Montana to prioritize green initiatives over the economic benefits of fossil fuels.
Montana’s Supreme Court has confirmed the ruling from a district court case initiated by 16 young plaintiffs.
The court’s 6-to-1 decision included the revocation of two Montana statutes, asserting that the framers of the state constitution intended to protect a stable climate system under the guarantee of a clean and healthful environment.
This lawsuit highlights the modern trend of using the judiciary to push extensive environmental agendas, NBC Montana writes in a report.
Criticism from Republican Governor Greg Gianforte was swift.
He warned that this decision could unleash costly lawsuits and jack up energy prices, a sentiment shared by many conservatives concerned about judicial overreach and its economic implications.
Gianforte believes this “declares open season on Montana’s all-of-the-above-approach to energy.”
“This ruling is a victory not just for us, but for every young person whose future is threatened by climate change. We have been heard, and today the Montana Supreme Court has affirmed that our rights to a safe and healthy climate cannot be ignored,” said lead plaintiff Rikki Held, cited by The Washington State Standard.
The court dismissed state arguments regarding negligible global impact, deeming environmental degradation Montana’s immediate responsibility.
It considers the greenhouse gas emissions analysis requirement during environmental reviews, previously vetoed, as essential, setting a precedent for future initiatives.
This rejection of pragmatic state arguments in favor of hyperlocal environmental accountability demonstrates the judiciary’s alarming willingness to overstep its bounds.
Chief Justice Mike McGrath emphasized the state’s duty, underlining that citizens’ rights to a clean environment aren’t void due to international inaction.
However, it’s critical to question whether one state’s actions can significantly alter the global climate trajectory, or if this ruling is more symbolic than substantive.
“This decision does nothing more than declare open season on Montana’s all-of-the-above-approach to energy,” declared Montana Gov. Greg Gianforte, cited by The Epoch Times.
The Montana ruling has sparked political tension, with Republican leaders contemplating legislative actions to curtail judicial power—a necessary step, some argue, in maintaining a fair balance between government branches.
As environmentalists celebrate, the state braces for the economic repercussions and legal hurdles this decision may unleash, signaling a contentious future in the tug-of-war between environmental advocacy and energy autonomy.
Montana’s Supreme Court on Wednesday upheld a landmark climate ruling that said the state was violating residents’ constitutional right to a clean environment by permitting oil, gas and coal projects without regard for global warming.https://t.co/sT8WLAGTTE
— PBS News (@NewsHour) December 19, 2024
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