Montanans are Ready for Climate Action

The 2025 Climate Advocacy Day - cohosted by over 20 organizations and led by Families for a Livable Climate - saw over 350 Montanans gather at the State Capitol, ready to speak up for their futures and the futures of their families, traditions, and places they hold dear. People traveled from every corner of the state - from Whitefish, Cut Bank, Broadus, Hamilton, and many places in between. The capitol buzzed with hope and energy as speakers talked about climate action, resiliency, and our connection to this land.

Montana youth and Indigenous voices took the forefront of the rally - addressing the importance of the actions we take now for our ancestors and our future generations. Tables from 20+ organizations lined the hallway, showcasing the amazingly diverse work being done across the state to address climate change.

After the rally, the MT Sierra Club offered a training preparing people to testify in support of HB 229, a bill that implements the Montana Supreme Court's decision in Held v. State of Montana by making several key changes to the Montana Environmental Policy Act. Folks of all ages, from students to elders packed the room to offer their overwhelming support of the bill later that afternoon.

It’s true that we are walking into many unknowns. But we take courage in knowing that we are doing so among so many incredible friends, allies, and partners. Our history has shown us that Montanans are climate leaders: from the stewardship practices of our tribal nations, to our unique and powerful state constitution that explicitly names and protects our right to a clean and healthful environment, to victory for the people in the first youth-led climate lawsuit in U.S. history, and so much more. Montanans are innovative, determined, and we are not afraid to do hard things - we are ready.

Let’s support connection and equity within our communities. Let’s cultivate safety from extreme weather and pollution. Let's create good jobs and localized, clean energy systems for all. Let’s stand together to protect our people and our home.

 
 

Climate Advocacy Day would not have been possible without the wonderful planning coalition and sponsors -

Coalition Members: 350 Montana, Citizens Climate Lobby, Climate Smart Missoula, Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes Climate Change Advisory Committee, Families for a Livable Climate, Forward Montana, Gallatin Valley Sunrise Movement, Grow Safe Missoula, Helena Interfaith Climate Advocates, Home Resource, Montana American Indian Movement, Montana Chapter of the Sierra Club, Montana Environmental Information Center, Montana Health Professionals for a Healthy Climate, MontPIRG, Mountain Mamas, Park County Green Initiative, Park County Environmental Council, Protect Our Winters, UM Climate Response Club

Sponsors: EarthJustice, Families for a Livable Climate, Montana Chapter of the Sierra Club, Montana Environmental Information Center, Moms Clean Air Force, Park County Environmental Council, University of Montana Climate Change Studies, University of Montana Environmental Studies, Real Food Store, with support from the Llewellyn Foundation.

Ripley Cunningham, Livingston High School student, introducing speakers

Featured speakers:

Ripley Cunningham (Livingston, MT) - Emcee

Dylan Youpee (Poplar, MT) 

Luca Welle (Kalispell/Missoula, MT)

Lance Four Star (Wolf Point, MT)

Steve Held (Broadus, MT)

Stephanie Vielle (Cut Bank, MT)

Ula Jones (Billings, MT)

Patrick Yawakie (Ronan, MT)

Nick Fitzmaurice (Helena, MT)

 

Thanks to our partners at MEIC for recording the rally - Watch the Recording:

 
 

News from across the state featured the day of action

Next Steps:


Thank you for supporting a just climate future. We stand with you, and we will not back down.

NewsCaitlyn LewisOrganization Updates