Montana faces trial over alleged violation of residents' right to a clean environment.

A lawsuit filed by young climate change activists against Montana officials over inaction on climate change is being closely watched for possible legal precedents. The trial is expected to last two weeks with 16 young plaintiffs and their attorneys seeking to persuade District Judge Kathy Seeley that the state’s allegiance to fossil fuels endangers their health and livelihoods and threatens future generations. The lawsuit centers on Montana’s constitutional right to a “clean and healthful environment,” and whether that means the state should act to protect residents against worsening climate change.