PRACTICE AREA
Land Use & Environmental Law
Advocating for healthy communities, for this generation and the next
McGarvey Law is passionate about issues affecting the health of our environment and our fellow citizens. Since the 1980s, our attorneys have successfully pursued justice in the area of environmental and land use law by representing a variety of individuals and citizen groups. We have the specialized knowledge and experience to handle these complex cases, and to obtain justice for our clients, and we’ve donated hundreds of hours to pro-bono time to environmental causes.
$13,000,000
for homeowners with contaminated land
Protecting the land and people we love
Environmental law is personal at McGarvey Law. Fighting for the wild spaces we love and the health of future generations is one of our core values.
Not sure where to begin?
Types of Land Use and Environmental Law Cases
The Montana Constitution ensures the right to a clean and healthful environment, and McGarvey Law works to make sure this promise is kept by fighting for clean air, soil and water, and ensuring that development happens in a way that minimizes damage to our state’s valuable natural resources.
Property Contamination
Compensate property owners for damage caused by pollution
Zoning and Subdivision Disputes
Challenging local governments who violate property rights
Resource Exploitation
Protecting public lands and resources
Air, Soil and Groundwater Pollution
Hold polluters accountable for creating unhealthy environments
Protection of Natural Resources
Preventing harm to land, water and wildlife
Environmental Preservation
Protecting the environment from harm
Environmental Hazard and Toxic Exposure
Compensating people injured by exposure to toxic substances
Renewable Energy Permitting
Ensuring renewable energy is responsibly developed
Guiding you through every step with strength and integrity.
Who Is Commonly Affected
The abuses of improper land use can affect anyone, and there are many areas in Montana where air, soil, and groundwater are impacted by hazardous and toxic substances. Making the enforcement of our environmental laws a reality is a part of McGarvey Law’s mission, and we’re proud to represent a wide range of plaintiffs.
Residents Harmed by Contaminated Water
Unsafe substances in drinking or ground water
Environmental Advocacy Groups
Organizations working to protect the environment through legal action
Citizens Impacted by Zoning Violations
Reckless development that threatens public health, safety or natural resources
Residents Harmed by Contaminated Soil
Soil contaminated by agriculture, industry of waste disposal
Government Agencies
EPA, FWP, and local governments seeking to enforce environmental law
Related Landmark Case
Groundbreaking Climate Change Litigation Protects Generations of Montanans
Montana’s constitution is unusual. The 1972 Constitutional Convention added language requiring the state to “maintain and improve a clean and healthful environment… for present and future generations,” making Montana one of only three states that explicitly include environmental protection in their Bill of Rights. Despite these protections, in recent years the state’s energy policy has steadily moved toward undermining those rights. That’s why, in 2024, a group of 16 youths sued the State of Montana, alleging that the State’s actions exacerbated the harm they were experiencing from climate change. The case would ultimately find its way to the Montana Supreme Court, leading to a groundbreaking ruling: it would be the first time a U.S. state court held a government liable for violating a constitutional right due to climate change.
Get in touch for a free case evaluation
At our firm, every case begins with a free consultation – a chance for you to share your story and for us to truly listen. We believe that understanding your situation is the foundation of building a strong case, and we take that responsibility seriously.