For Immediate Release

May 16, 2023

 

MCV: “Montanans know the climate crisis is real – Governor Gianforte’s plan to ignore the problem is irresponsible”
 

Conservation group rejects Governor Greg Gianforte’s action to limit the state’s ability to assess the greenhouse gas emissions impacts of power plants and mines

 

(BOZEMAN, Mont.) – Today, Montana Conservation Voters released the following statement from Executive Director Whitney Tawney in response to Montana’s Governor Greg Gianforte signing into law House Bill 971, a bill to limit the state Department of Environmental Quality’s ability to assess the greenhouse gas emissions impacts of power plants and coal mines: 

 

“Montanans know the climate crisis is real. We see it in our forests, on our farms and ranches and in our rivers every year. Governor Gianforte’s plan to ignore the problem and strip the state’s ability to consider climate in its decision making is irresponsible and will impact our kids and our health. The Governor’s actions also weaken the Montana Environmental Policy Act, a foundational law that has kept Montana the Last Best Place for generations.” 

 

During the 68th session of the Montana Legislature, HB 971 faced vocal opposition from the public, drawing over 1,000 comments, 95-percent of which were opposed to the measure. The legislature also suspended its own rules to rush the bill through at the last minute and limited public testimony in the House even after 60 Montanans showed up to testify against the bill.

 

This egregious attack on the Montana Environmental Policy Act is an attempt to ignore the rule of law and evade oversight. The bill was introduced well past the deadline for introduction in response to a court decision that the Department of Environmental Quality did not adequately consider the air quality impacts from the Laurel power plant. Once completed, the methane plant would emit the equivalent emissions of almost 170,000 passenger vehicles per year, which would greatly affect the air quality around Billings and Laurel. It will also emit other air pollutants that are known to have negative effects on human health such as benzene and formaldehyde.

 

According to a recent poll, 58% of Montanans say there is enough evidence that action must be taken to combat climate change. This concern is spread statewide with over 50% of Montanans from 54 of 56 counties expressing concern about global warming.

 

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Montana Conservation Voters is a statewide non-partisan membership organization dedicated to fighting for Montana’s air, water, open spaces, wildlife and public health. MCV provides voter participation services to tens of thousands of Montanans. Visit mtvoters.org for more details.

CONTACT

Anthony Licata

Communications Director
Montana Conservation Voters

406-426-2645