Dangerous mining chemicals abandoned at a lab in Norris shut down two major highways and caused the evacuation of the entire town. Thankfully, no one was injured. Thanks to the first responders and the EPA now dealing with the contamination.
Tally shows special session to be a ‘slim shot’
A July 16 special session seems unlikely according to figures posted Monday by the secretary of state’s office, showing 19 Republicans reject the proposal so far, cutting into the majority needed to hold such a meeting. Several republican legislators attempted to call a special session to interfere with two citizen ballot initiatives, I-185 and I-186, they don’t agree with. It would be a complete waste of taxpayer money and the definition of government overreach.
Supporters of the initiatives say lawmakers should let the voters decide and accused lawmakers of bowing to special interest groups.
Protecting trout and clean water is a Montana value
Mining is part of Montana’s heritage, but if mining is going be part of our future, we have to update our state mining laws to represent our Montana values. With citizen’s initiative I-186, Trout Unlimited and our partners in “Yes for Responsible Mining” are working to support mining while also ensuring that the citizens of Montana have a say in protecting our water.
An op-ed from David Brooks, Executive Director of Montana Trout Unlimited
DEQ right to protect state from “bad actors”
Department of Environmental Quality officials filed suit this week asking a judge to bar Hecla Mining Co. CEO Phillips S. Baker Jr. from opening any new mines in the state under Montana’s “bad actor” law. Baker was chief financial officer of Pegasus Mining when the firm filed for bankruptcy, leaving the state with tens of millions of dollars in cleanup costs. Hecla has proposed opening a pair mines in the northwestern corner of the state near the Idaho border.
Montana’s status as a colony to be exploited by out-of-state mining companies must be erased. Tourism and high-tech industries are supplanting extractive industries as the state’s main economic drivers. The days when mining companies permanently deface landscapes and walk away must end.
I-186 supporters bring a boat load of signatures to the State Capitol
YES for Responsible Mining, a group backing I-186, have collected 45,000 signatures from across the state and submitted them to election officials. Under Montana election law, the initiative needed 25,468 signatures, including 5 percent of the voters in 34 state House districts to qualify.
“Not only do the 15 employees working for us depend on the world-class fisheries here in Montana, hundreds of guides rowing our boats depend on the cold and clean water for their livelihood,” said Justin Waayenberg, general manager and CEO of Adipose Boatworks in Helena. “These are good paying manufacturing, outfitting and guiding jobs that support families.”
Supreme Court allows mining initiative to move forward, throwing out industry challenge
The Montana Supreme Court has ruled against a mining industry group in its bid to nullify I-186. I-186 would block new hard rock mines if they require the perpetual treatment of polluted water after the mine closes.
Bozeman Chronicle reports