Montana Republicans have faced criticism for their response to a recent landmark climate case ruling. Rather than acknowledging the constitutional rights of their constituents to a clean and healthful environment, Republicans attacked the judge as an “environmental activist” and dismissed the young plaintiffs as “pawns” and members of a “climate cult.” This reaction is surprising considering that the case revolved around the constitutional provision in Montana that guarantees citizens this right.
During the trial, which lasted for seven days in June, the plaintiffs, ranging in age from 5 to 22, argued that state agencies had violated their constitutional right by approving fossil fuel projects without considering the impacts on climate change. District Court Judge Kathy Seeley ultimately agreed with the plaintiffs, stating in her 103-page ruling that they had proven that children and youth are disproportionately harmed by fossil fuel pollution and climate impacts. She emphasized that without science-based actions to address climate change, their injuries will become increasingly severe and irreversible.
Instead of being outraged that the state’s government violated their constituents’ constitutional protections, Republicans chose to attack the young plaintiffs and the judge. Senator Steve Daines criticized “activist judges” and claimed that shutting down energy projects would set America on a dangerous path. Representative Matt Rosendale referred to the plaintiffs as “pawns” and accused the judge of doing a disservice to the courts. Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen’s spokesperson called the ruling “absurd” and labeled the trial a “taxpayer-funded publicity stunt.” These responses demonstrate the party’s lack of willingness to acknowledge the impacts of climate change and their support for polluting industries.
Tim Sheehy, a Montana businessman and Republican candidate, also echoed the party’s sentiment by referring to the judge as a “liberal activist” and criticizing the plaintiffs as members of a “climate cult.”
It’s worth noting that Sheehy’s company, Bridger Aerospace, removed language about “fighting on the front lines of climate change” from its website before launching his Senate bid. This move further exemplifies the Republican party’s denial of the mounting impacts of climate change and their focus on increasing fossil fuel production.
The response from the Republican party is indicative of their tendency to ignore the effects of climate change, such as extreme heat, wildfires, flooding, and coral bleaching. During the trial, the plaintiffs shared personal stories about how climate change has affected their lives and health.
Despite the Republican backlash, the ruling has been hailed as a significant win in the fight against climate change. Julia Olson, chief legal counsel and executive director of Our Children’s Trust, called it a game-changer and a turning point in the efforts to save the planet from the devastating effects of human-caused climate chaos.
The Montana attorney general’s office has vowed to appeal the ruling. However, this response highlights the Republican party’s reluctance to address the urgent need for action on climate change.
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