We cannot make change unless laws and policies change.
Held V.S. Montana: a landmark 2023–2024 youth-led constitutional climate change case. Sixteen young Montana residents sued the state, arguing that state laws that barred agencies from considering greenhouse gas emissions during fossil fuel permitting violated their constitutional right to a clean and healthful environment. The Montana Supreme Court ultimately affirmed the historic ruling in late 2024, declaring those restrictive state statutes unconstitutional.
Rotunda Days: In Helena—where specific industries, university systems, or interest groups gather in the central rotunda to meet lawmakers, display exhibits, and promote their causes.
Senate Bill 524 sparked intense controversy by proposing a 6.75% business tax on nonprofit organizations for funds spent on litigation against the state regarding environmental and natural resources laws. Nonprofit advocates testified that it infringed on advocacy rights and penalized groups for holding the government accountable.
We continue to find ways to ask our leaders to prioritize health.
Dr. Beth Schenk speaking to Congress on health and climate