I'm Ryan Lerner on WNYC and now our climate story of the week which we do every Tuesday

on the show in Montana, a group of 16 young environmentalists ages 5 to 22 are suing

the state for failing to uphold quote a clean and healthful environment for quote present

and future generations again a clean and healthful environment for present and future generations

that language is in Montana state constitution.

Last week the plaintiffs testified in court and brought in expert witnesses to outline

how the state's investment in the fossil fuel industry has violated in their view their

constitutional rights.

Yesterday the state gave its arguments the trial is called held versus Montana and it's

the first constitutional of course it's a state constitution but there's a template

here the first constitution climate trial in US history closing arguments today are

today and activists in many other states are watching this to see if young people can

bring lawsuits based on state constitutions that guarantee a clean and healthful environment

for present and future generations as almost a form of generational discrimination.

So let's hear what's going on in Montana joining us now to break down the trial so far

and what can be expected in these closing arguments is Amanda Egert environmental reporter

at the Montana Free Press.

Hello from New York Amanda welcome to WNYC thank you for doing

this with us.

Hello thank you so much for having me.

I gave some basics there of what the allegations are from the youth led climate activists do

you want to flesh it out a little more?

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