Montana Sierra Club gives update on environmental bills
Hey savvy news reader! Thanks for choosing local.
You are now reading
1 of 3 free articles.
News from Noah Rott, Sierra Club Press Secretary
MONTANA — Following up with more updates on important environmental bills at the legislature the Montana Sierra Club is tracking.
HB285 “Generally Revise the Montana environmental policy act,” which would gut environmental reviews, saw opposition from wildlife groups, ranching groups, and longtime residents, some of whom have seen the effects of environmental disaster -- stories of Libby and a conservationist whose dad sat on the Board of Westmoreland coal, for example
HB291 “Revise laws related to air quality standards,” which would help fossil fuel companies avoid air pollution reviews, saw opposition from environmental groups and support from corporate groups.
Nuclear bills HB623 and HB696 have moved forward. Sierra Club opposes the bills and can provide comments & more information on reasons why.
Two resolutions were introduced to support the selloff of federal lands. HJ24 is a resolution supporting the State of Utah in its legal pursuits to seize federal lands. In the hearing, it was widely opposed (see recording). SJ14 supports the releasing of Wilderness Study Areas, which account for vast swaths of protected lands across Montana.
Reporting from the New York Times this week reveals a way Colstrip, which has avoided pollution controls, can skirt by clean air regulations. Trump’s EPA is looking to use a potential loophole in the Clean Air Act where the President can grant exemptions.
