US EditionYoung Plaintiffs, Science Experts Testify in Federal Climate Case in Missoula
The plaintiffs argue these policies violate their constitutional rights and constitute a "death sentence" for their generation, challenging accelerated fossil fuel production.
- On September 16, 2025, U.S. District Judge Dana Christensen heard live testimony from 22 youth plaintiffs suing to block three executive orders by President Trump in Missoula, Montana.
- The case follows a 2023 state trial, where youth won a ruling that Montana’s constitution protects the right to a stable climate, a right absent in the U.S. Constitution.
- Youth plaintiffs and climate scientists testified that Trump's orders boost fossil fuels, increase greenhouse gases, and worsen extreme weather events harming their physical and mental health.
- Judge Christensen heard arguments from plaintiffs seeking a preliminary injunction while the government and 19 states urged dismissal, with one attorney calling it a repeat of the Juliana case.
- The case could set a precedent on constitutional climate protections, but legal experts say the courts may defer to political branches on such policy disputes.
12 Articles
12 Articles
The Billings Gazette
Young plaintiffs, science experts testify in federal climate case in Missoula
Twenty-two young plaintiffs are seeking to hit pause on President Donald Trump’s policies promoting coal and other fossil fuels in the United States.
Youth Plaintiffs Begin Historic Live Testimony in Federal Constitutional Climate Case, Lighthiser v. Trump
On Tuesday morning, September 16, 22 young Americans began presenting live testimony in Lighthiser v. Trump, a landmark lawsuit challenging federal actions that threaten their fundamental rights to life. The hearing — taking place Sept. 16 and 17 in the U.S. District Court for the District of Montana — is the first time in U.S. history that a federal court is hearing in-person testimony in a constitutional climate case led by young people. Lead …
Youth constitutional climate lawsuit kicks off in Missoula with a crowd
MISSOULA - A federal court judge heard live testimony Tuesday from youth in a constitutional climate lawsuit for the first time. Many of the young plaintiffs in Lighthiser vs. Trump descended on the Russell Smith Federal Courthouse in Missoula, on a path lined by a crowd of supporters.Watch to learn more about day one of arguments in the case: Youth constitutional climate lawsuit kicks off in Missoula with a crowdA total of 22 young people are s…
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