HB 549 and 550 unnecessary, dangerous
Hey savvy news reader! Thanks for choosing local.
You are now reading
1 of 3 free articles.
Editor,
Choosing to ignore science, Rep. Joe Read introduced not one, but two bills in the Montana Legislature that attempt to take away the Environmental Protection Agency’s power to regulate dangerous pollution and greenhouse gasses. House Bills 549 and 550 claim that global warming is not a threat to our health and well being, but will actually be beneficial for the business climate in Montana. Rep. Read, my own representative, is sponsoring bills that are dangerous and unnecessary.
By taking away the EPA’s ability to regulate smog and chemicals that pollute the air we breathe, we put Montanans at risk. Under the common misguided rhetoric that this will be “good for business,” Rep. Read disregards our health. And if Rep. Read really cared about creating jobs, he would stop voting against legislation that helps bring clean, renewable energy jobs and businesses to Montana. And if he really cared about business in Montana, he would stop voting for (and sponsoring) legislation that pollutes our air and water, putting our unique way of life and our number one industry (agriculture) at risk.
Thankfully, HB 549 died in committee (although it could still come back). However, HB 550 passed out of the House and will now be heard by the Energy and Telecommunications committee in the Senate. I encourage folks to contact their own Senator as well as the members of this committee, urging them to vote against this bill, and protect our health and our livelihood in Montana.
Mary Stranahan
Arlee
