Montana officials downplay first-of-its-kind climate trial

Montana officials are seeking to downplay a first-of-its-kind trial over a state’s obligations to protect residents from climate change. State officials said Monday that a victory by the young plaintiffs would not change approvals for fossil fuel projects. The 16 plaintiffs range in age from 5 to 22 years old. They say they’re being harmed by wildfire smoke, excessive heat and other effects of climate change. They’re asking a state court to declare unconstitutional a Montana law that prevents agencies from considering the effect of greenhouse gases when they issue permits for fossil fuel development.