Montana's Constitution specifically mentions the environment, a group of

Montana's sued to enforce it. From Marketplace, I'm Sabri Benicior in for David

Broncaccio, a group of 16 young climate activists ages 5 to 22 sued the state of

Montana over its energy policies. They argued they have a right to a clean

environment under the state's Constitution. On Monday, a judge there ruled in

their favor. This could pave the way for more such lawsuits, Marketplace's Henry

Yap has more. Recent state policies in Montana forbid regulators from

taking greenhouse gas emissions into account when permitting new energy

projects. But the judge found those rules violated the young plaintiffs' rights

under an amendment to Montana's Constitution passed in the early 70s, which

says the state must maintain a clean and healthful environment for present and

future generations. The decision gives a boost to the nonprofit law firm that

brought the case on behalf of the group of young people. The organization has

similar lawsuits pending in four other states. It's also brought one against

the federal government, which a judge in June allowed to proceed to trial. In

Montana, the decision could have implications for the state's fossil fuel

industry. Well, it's not the largest in the nation. Montana is a producer of oil,

gas, and coal. A spokesperson for Montana's attorney general called the

ruling absurd and plans to appeal. I'm Henry Yap for Marketplace. Retail sales

were up seven tenths of a percent in July. It's more than expected and more

than double the growth rate in June. Restaurant sales are up 12% from a year

ago. This is all a sign that the American consumer is doing just fine. It is

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