The Year Ahead

2023’s first and highest priority will be stopping bad legislation at the legislative session. We anticipate many attacks on clean energy and environmental protections, especially in the name of development and housing. In the past, these efforts have damaged water quality protections and expedited opencut mining and other industrial operations. We’ll do our best to stop the worst and put forward some positive legislation in this session.

We also anticipate proposed changes to our state constitution, especially to our right to a “clean and healthful environment.” MEIC will staunchly resist these changes and keep you in the loop every step of the way.

While the session is ongoing, we’re continuing work in other areas. This year, we’re particularly focusing on energy systems. We’re expanding our work on how regional transmission (“the grid”) is critical for clean energy development, a healthy climate, and affordable electricity.

We’re continuing to push for clean energy generation, and fighting against fossil fuel extraction and generation (coal and methane gas). And we’re continuing to monitor and engage in conversations about the use of overpriced and experimental nuclear technology in Montana.

Throughout the session and beyond, our new staffers will help immensely with increasing our work to create sustainable communities. With Montana’s growing population, we need affordable and sustainable housing. We also need to create an understanding of how development and particularly infill can help mitigate the climate crisis, save water, and save energy.

Finally, we’re looking forward to September 16, MEIC’s 50th anniversary celebration in Victor, MT. We hope to see many of you there to partake in food, dancing, breakout activities, reconnecting with old friends, and celebrating 50 years of a clean and healthful constitutional right.

MONTANA ENVIRONMENTAL INFORMATION CENTER

P.O. Box 1184

Helena, MT 59624