FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 19, 2023

Team MCV endorses Ryan Busse for Governor

(HELENA, Mont.) – Today, Montana Conservation Voters’ independent Political Action Committee, the MCV Action Fund, proudly announced its formal endorsement of Ryan Busse in his bid for Montana Governor.

“Ryan Busse has long been an outspoken advocate for Montana’s public lands and waters, responsible wildlife management and responsible energy development,” said MCV PAC board chair Jill Lombardi. “His commitment to working with all Montanans to defend what makes our state great makes it clear that he will do everything it takes to safeguard our clean air, clean water, public lands, and democracy.”

Busse declared his candidacy for Governor in September, with a focus on protecting the lands, waters, and people of the Last Best Place. As a vocal critic of Montana’s current Governor, Greg Gianforte, and his anti-public lands stances, Busse has pledged to do “everything he can” to protect and expand access to our public lands and waters.

“Montana’s public lands, our wildlife, our climate, and America’s very democracy are under attack by Montana’s current disaster of a governor,” said Busse, a lifelong hunter and angler. “Greg Gianforte has a dangerous agenda planned for his second term, and as a politician he’s gotten pretty slick at ‘talking the talk.’ But nothing he says or does will undo his garbage record of suing Montanans to lock up public lands, commercializing our wildlife, turning our state into a playground for fellow billionaires and eagerly making the climate crisis worse for our kids. I can’t wait to work with MCV to hold Greg Gianforte accountable to the voters of Montana—and to the future of our state.”

Busse’s connection with MCV runs deep, having served on MCV’s Board of Directors from 2008-2013 and served as Board Chair from 2010-2012. Nationally recognized as a champion of public lands, his advocacy traces back to the Bush Administration’s controversial plan to drill in the sacred Badger-Two Medicine area. Busse’s firsthand experience with the consequences of unchecked energy development is evident, as his two sons were plaintiffs in this summer’s groundbreaking Held v. Montana case. His comprehensive understanding of this case positions Busse as a leading advocate for Montana’s energy freedom.

Momentum continues as MCV prepares to endorse conservation champions ahead of the 2024 election. From the State Legislature and the Montana Supreme Court to top statewide positions, MCV is committed to supporting candidates who prioritize environmental stewardship. Further endorsements will be announced soon.