by Erin Benedict
Just last week, the Montana state legislative session ended. As battle-weary legislators head back to their homes and “day” jobs across Montana, the rest of us are taking stock of what bills passed, what bills did not, and where the governor will land with his veto pen (or Styrofoam cup).
For most Montana families, property tax relief, supporting our public schools, ensuring access to quality healthcare, and protecting our cherished public lands and healthy climate are at the top of our wish list.
Unfortunately, much of the first half of the legislative session seemed to be focused on things like bathroom usage.
This was disappointing to those of us struggling to pay our rent or mortgage, navigating growing fresh-food deserts, and ensuring our kids can enjoy the same camping and fishing haunts with their children. It’s our hope that over the interim and in the 70th legislative session, our decision makers stick closer to what is impacting the most Montanans the hardest — and I can’t imagine it’s what bathroom someone chooses to use.
At the Mountain Mamas, we kept a weather eye on what conservation and climate bills were progressing. Montana’s courageous youth sent a clear signal to our elected officials with the Held v. Montana trial with their insistence on protecting their right to a clean and healthful environment — as stated in our Montana Constitution.
However, several bills breezed through both chambers aimed at gutting the Montana Environmental Policy Act. The 54-year-old law requires agencies to “look before you leap” by studying and releasing environmental impacts for large projects before issuing permits.
However, due to five bills recently signed into law by Gov. Gianforte, the former teeth of MEPA have been filed down to a mere paper exercise.
Additionally, Missoula Rep. Marilyn Marler passed HB477 — a bill that would phase out Styrofoam usage across Montana — through both chambers after introducing and refining the bill for four consecutive sessions. Sadly, this champion of a bill for the health and well-being of the next generation was vetoed with the flourish of a video from Gov. Gianforte sipping coffee out of a Styrofoam cup labeled with “veto”.
Again, Montana families and kids lose.
There were some bright spots for Montanans who care about our public lands, waters, and a healthy climate.
HB932 and SB537 are two bills that aim to earmark marijuana revenue to wildlife habitat and conservation projects such as wildlife crossings, habitat improvement projects, invasive species removal, growing Montana’s parks and trail network, and more. While some differences lie between the bills — most notably contributions to the general fund; SB537 would provide none — they both are huge wins for conservation across Montana, from agricultural land in eastern Montana to the mountain zones of western Montana.
Montana families are looking to Gov. Gianforte to lead, support our outdoor heritage in Montana, and sign one of these important bills into law.
Regardless of differences of opinion on policy, we believe ALL Montanans should give every senator and House of Representatives member a tip of our hats. These selfless souls move away from their families from all corners of the state for four months every other year, leaving their businesses, homes and jobs, to listen, learn and lead on behalf of every one of us.
We are grateful for their service, and incredibly appreciative for their sacrifice. Thank you, legislators!
Erin Benedict is the Montana State Director for Mountain Mamas, a nonprofit with the mission of protecting our air, water, climate and public lands for future generations.
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