Montana Lawmakers Warn Justices to “Buckle Up” After This Ruling

Reactions are ruling in to yesterday's landmark decision by the Montana Supreme Court upholding a lower court decision that teens have a constitutional right to a stable environment.

And the tone of those reactions is suggesting the ruling is probably going to be one of the main points of conflict in the ongoing power struggle between Supreme Court and the Montana Legislature, starting with the new session in January.

The 6-1 decision in Held v Montana upholds the trial decision in Lewis & Clark County District Court in favor of 16-teens who argued their health, and futures, were being jeopardized by the way the state was handling permitting and regulations impacting the climate.

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Details of the Held v Montana decision

The suit argued the teens had that right, and overturns state laws that aimed at keeping regulators from considering points like greenhouse has emissions when permitting energy projects. It was a direct assault on recent legislation from the Republican-controlled Legislature, which has been attempting to de-regulate permitting and rules to help the state's energy industry, and especially operations at Colstrip.

Writing for the majority, Chief Justice Mark McGrath said "Montana's right to a clean and healthful environment and environmental life support system includes a stable climate system."

RELATED: Montana Legislature Weighs in on Climate Suit

Reaction was swift

Governor Greg Gianforte says his office is still reviewing the new ruling, but he says a decision by the Montana Supreme Court upholding the idea that protection from climate change is a "constitutional right" will have far-reaching impacts.

Governor Gianforte accused the court of "stepping outside of its lane" and taking a step that will lead to "perpetual lawsuits that will waste taxpayer dollars" and drive up energy costs.

Incoming President of the Senate Matt Regier, R-Kalispell, and Speaker of the House Brandon Ler, R-Savage, also accused the court of stepping into politics.

The pair accused the justices of "drastically overstepping" the court's "constitutional boundaries" and "violating the separation of powers."

They also promised to follow through on judicial reform in the upcoming session, telling the judiciary to "buckle up."

The reaction wasn't just limited to Montana

Senator Steve Daines expressed immediate concern in a written statement, calling the ruling "egregious".

"The Court is once again legislating from the bench," Daines said. "This decision will gut Governor Gianforte’s made-in-Montana energy policy, crush energy production, and stifle economic development in Montana."

Environmental support

But the Montana Environmental Information Center said the decision "affirms that it's past time for swift, just and meaningful climate action from Montana's government."