Action Alert: Give the State an Earful on Climate Change

The Montana Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) has opened public discussion to review and “modernize” the Montana Environmental Policy Act (MEPA). This move to publicly review MEPA is an attempt to avoid complying with the Held v. State of Montana decision, which upholds the state’s right (and obligation) to consider climate change impacts when issuing permits. Now is the time to speak up and show the DEQ that the MEPA process MUST continue to include climate change considerations. Read on for details, talking points, and to find out how you can take action.

Take Action, ArchiveSarah LundquistOctober 3, 2023Action Archive

Speaking Up for a Livable Future

Montanans want an energy plan that protects our pocketbooks, families, and futures. It is long past time for NorthWestern Energy to acknowledge that, and to follow through on their promise to “deliver a bright future” by transitioning to clean and affordable energy NOW.

Today (August 28) is the FINAL DAY to submit comments to the Public Service Commission on NorthWestern Energy’s Integrated Resource Plan! Send your written comment to pschelp@mt.gov and include “Regarding docket 2022.11.102” in the subject line.

Action Alert: Comment on the EPA's New Carbon Emissions Standards

The U.S. EPA is proposing a new set of standards that strongly curtail carbon emissions from coal-fired power plants. Comment by August 8 and tell the EPA to support these new power plant standards that will combat climate change, improve public health, and protect our environment. Find details and instructions here.

Take Action, ArchiveSarah LundquistAugust 2, 2023Action Archive

Montana Energy Planning Action Alert

Montana’s Public Service Commission is accepting public comments and holding public hearings on NorthWestern Energy’s Integrated Resource Plan throughout the state this August. This plan will determine how energy is produced for the majority of our municipalities over the next 20-30 years, so it is hugely important that we raise our voices and demand clean and affordable energy NOW! Read on to find out how you can take action.

Montana youth make history! Get involved & show your support

The historic climate trial, Held v. State of Montana, is the FIRST youth-led and the first constitutional climate lawsuit to go to trial in the United States. The trial takes place June 12-23, 2023 at the First Judicial District Court, 228 E Broadway St, Helena, MT 59601. Court is scheduled for 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. weekdays.

There will be activities and events throughout the entire two weeks of trial, as well as many ways to show your support. Families for a Livable Climate will be attending and providing activities during the first two days, June 12 and 13. Join us as we support the courageous youth plaintiffs, stand witness to these historic events, and commit to protect the future of all young Montanans through meaningful climate action.

Take Action, Archive, NewsSarah LundquistJune 7, 2023Action Archive, Montana News

Take Action: HB 971 and SB 557

Thank you to the more than 60 individuals who traveled to Helena this week (and countless others who called and wrote messages) to testify against HB 971, a bill that the House suspended its rules to introduce, which would ban consideration of climate impacts and exempt DEQ from analyzing environmental, cultural and economic impacts of mining, air, and oil and gas projects. Learn more about HB 971 here and SB 557 here.

This bill, along with SB 557 (another bill targeting MEPA) passed out of committee. Take action today!

Take Action, ArchiveWinona BatemanApril 20, 2023Action Archive

Urgent: Defend our childrens' right to a clean and healthful environment

Parents and caregivers: Please join us on THIS MONDAY, APRIL 17, at 3 p.m. with the House Natural Resources Committee to speak out against HB 971--a bill introduced late Friday after lawmakers suspended the rules to admit a new bill (post transmittal). Register to testify for the 3 p.m. hearing this Monday via Zoom; you MUST REGISTER before 5 pm on Sunday, April 16: https://leg.mt.gov/session/have-your-say/. You do not need to register to testify in person.

HB 971 would repeal the Montana Environmental Policy Act (MEPA) for all projects that could harm our environment and climate if the Montana Supreme Court were to ever find that Montanans’ right to a clean and healthful environment requires state agencies to consider climate impacts. If the court finds that climate change must be considered, then the state department of environment quality does not have to comply with MEPA for air pollution permits, coal mines, open cut permits, hard rock mines, and more.

Take Action, ArchiveWinona BatemanApril 15, 2023Action Archive

Nicholas Fitzmaurice: Behind NorthWestern Energy’s rate increase and how to stop it

The Montana Public Service Commission is accepting public comment on NorthWestern Energy’s recent proposed rate increases, which are tied to increased investments in fossil fuel infrastructure. Learn more and submit your comment by April 11, 2023.

Public Service Commission, Take Action, NewsSarah LundquistMarch 9, 2023Action Archive, Montana News

ACTION ALERT: Protect Montanans from Polystyrene Pollution

The House Business and Labor Committee will hear HB 638, a bill to phase out Expanded Polystyrene (Styrofoam) in food-related businesses in Montana. Here's what you can do!

Working Groups, Take Action, ArchiveWinona BatemanFebruary 23, 2023Plastics, Action Archive

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