Protecting the Montana Constitution

“‘All persons are born free and have certain inalienable rights. They include the right to a clean and healthful environment and the rights of pursuing life’s basic necessities, enjoying and defending their lives and liberties, acquiring, possessing and protecting property, and seeking their safety, health and happiness in all lawful ways. In enjoying these rights, all persons recognize corresponding responsibilities.Mont. Const. art. II., § 3.&l

The Montana Constitution has protected our freedoms for over 50 years. Not only does the Constitution enshrine our inalienable right to a clean and healthful environment, it also requires the legislature to dedicate resources to “prevent unreasonable depletion and degradation of natural resources.

The 2020 Park City v. Montana Department of Environmental Quality case involved a proposed mine in the Paradise Valley in south central Montana. The complaint involved the effects the increased traffic would have on local wildlife and possible heavy metal and acidic materials expected to be found in the mine’s water discharge. Again the Court ruled in favor of the constitution, saying, “Montana’s right to a clean and healthful environment is complemented by an affirmative duty upon their government to take active steps to realize this right.”

Unfortunately, powerful special interests want to abolish the Montana Constitution. MCV will continue to hold leaders accountable to their oath to the Montana Constitution.