On December 14, 2026, a lawsuit brought by Cottonwood Environmental Law Center and eight Montana citizens goes before a jury in Helena. It challenges HB 407, the law that bars our towns and citizens from limiting single-use plastics.

Montana’s Constitution guarantees every one of us the right to a clean and healthful environment. HB 407 (2021) blocks local governments and citizen initiatives from regulating single-use plastics like carryout bags and polystyrene cups. The State has passed no protections of its own.

In 2024, Bozeman voters passed a plastics ordinance with 63% of the vote. The Montana Supreme Court overturned the ruling that allowed it, but left our central claim open. Now a jury of twelve will decide whether HB 407 violates our constitutional right to a clean and healthful environment.

Your gift takes this case to trial.