FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 22, 2022

Montana Conservation Voters Teams up with Local Butte Artist to Urge Action On Climate

As debate continues, the Build Back Better Act holds promise for clean energy opportunities in Montana

(BUTTE, Mont.) –  Today, Montana Conservation Voters joined forces with Butte-artist Corey Gransbery to create a one-of-kind ice sculpture outside the Butte Plaza Mall. The 12-foot high and 16-foot long ice sculpture depicts a wind turbine, solar panels and more to call attention to the urgent need to pass federal climate and clean energy legislation.

Artist Corey Gransberry, who sculpted the “climate action now” ice scene, had this to say about the event:

“Working with ice, I have to know how the slightest temperature will change my piece. That is no different when discussing climate change. What seems like a small difference in global temperatures has catastrophic impacts, and we’re feeling those impacts here in Montana. I hope my piece can encourage Congress to act now to keep climate change from getting worse while creating thousands of good-paying jobs for Montanans.”

The art piece is in response to the ongoing negotiations in Congress over the Build Back Better Act and a celebration of U.S. Senator Jon Tester’s continued support to move it forward. The bill would reduce air pollution by 50 percent in eight years and invest in clean energy technology, creating over thirty thousand jobs in the Big Sky State. Additionally, it appropriates funding to modernize Montana’s electric grid, which is especially important as our state faces increased wildfires and extreme weather.

MCV’s Executive Director Whitney Tawney was encouraged by the ice art piece’s response and support from Butte community members.

“Montanans know how fortunate we are to live in this extraordinary place, and we know the dire need to protect it. Senator Tester also knows our way of life depends on a clean environment. We urge him to continue his leadership to jump start a clean energy economy and hope today’s ice sculpture continues to encourage him to keep up the fight for Montanans.”

The ice sculpture will be outside the Butte Plaza Mall (3100 Harrison Ave, Butte, MT 59701) through the weekend for public viewing via the Butte Winter Farmers’ Market and patrons of the Mall.