DEQ right to protect state from “bad actors”

by Bill Pfeiffer

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.

Bozeman Chronicle Ed Board reports.

I-186 supporters bring a boat load of signatures to the State Capitol

by Bill Pfeiffer

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.”

Helena IR reporting

Sandfire Resources attempting to influence Montana’s elections process through the Montana Mining Association

by Bill Pfeiffer

Sandfire America, a subsidiary of Sandfire Resources, has paid $20,000 towards a lawsuit to try and keep I-186 off the ballot. I-186 would require the Department of Environmental Quality to deny a permit for new hard rock mines in Montana unless the reclamation plan provides clear evidence that the mine will not require perpetual treatment of water polluted by acid mine drainage or other contaminants

This is an effort by pro-pollution activists intent on keeping the initiative out of the hands of voters. Read the entire story here.

News

Blackfoot River Outfitters Memorial Float

by Bill Pfeiffer

Blackfoot River Outfitters hosts its annual Memorial Float October 13, 2018.  This float annual float is held in the memory of lost loved ones.  Guides donate their time and the proceeds from the event are donated.  Montana Trout Unlimited is honored to be the recipient of the proceeds of this special float.  All funds raised will be put toward our work to protect Montana’s Smith River.   There are both guided fishing and scenic float options.  Visit the the Blackfoot River Outfitters Memorial Float site for more information and more ways to participate!