Guided by Heritage, Fueled by Justice: Taleah’s Fight for Constitutional Rights and Historic Climate Victory in Montana
Rooted in the strength of her Indigenous and Hispanic heritage, Taleah is one of the courageous youth plaintiffs in the landmark Held v. State of Montana lawsuit. In 2023, she and her fellow youth plaintiffs took their state government to court for worsening the climate crisis and violating their constitutional rights. After the first trial of its kind in the U.S., Judge Seeley issued a historic ruling wholly in their favor. This Hispanic Heritage Month, we highlight Taleah, her pivotal role in this historic climate victory, and how her culture drives her relentless fight for climate rights and the protection of her land.
United for Climate Action: From Wildland Conservation in Utah to Youth-Led Climate Litigation
Fighting the climate crisis through youth-led litigation would not be possible without the support of communities and global partners that fuel the climate movement. On September 4, 2024, the seven youth plaintiffs in the constitutional climate lawsuit Natalie R. v. State of Utah appeared before the Utah Supreme Court to advocate for their right to be heard at trial.
This Young Californian is Fighting to Protect Children’s Rights in Equal Protection, Constitutional Climate Suit, Genesis v. EPA
Noah is one of 18 young plaintiffs in the landmark climate lawsuit, Genesis v. EPA seeking to hold the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) accountable for violating their fundamental constitutional rights to equal protection of the law and their fundamental rights to life by allowing life-threatening levels of fossil fuel climate pollution.
For Children Being Discriminated by EPA, Volunteering and Activism Isn’t Enough
I joined Genesis v. EPA as a youth plaintiff because I see the climate crisis worsening right before my eyes, and it scares me. I know that my health and quality of life will be increasingly harmed as fossil fuel pollution continues, and I want to have equal rights to adults, and past generations when it comes to the livability of our climate and my home community.