MONTANA ENVIRONMENTAL INFORMATION CENTER
Infrastructure vs. Tribal Rights by Derf Johnson & Cari Kimball HB 481 (Rep. Steve Gunderson, R-Libby) is a mean-spirited, direct attack on the First Amendment rights of individuals and organizations who participate in rallies and protests against projects that cause environmental harm. This bill targets activity that is already illegal (trespassing and vandalism) and adds massive new criminal and civil penalties onto sentences if the crime was associated with “critical infrastructure,” such as pipelines, transmission lines, wireless communication facilities, and other types of industrial facilities. The legislation would punish people who protest the Keystone XL pipeline, but the bill’s wording is incredibly ambiguous and likely to be found unconstitutional because of its vague and broad potential application. This bill would chill the First Amendment right to assembly and to petition the government. It also would levy massive criminal penalties against organizations found to be a “conspirator” in the activity. Pipelines leak, climate change is real, and Tribal sovereignty is important. These are some of the reasons why MEIC opposes SJ 16 (Sen Steve Hinebauch, R-Wibaux). This is a Joint Resolution of the House and Senate urging congressional This session has seen a couple of bills focused on the use of polystyrene (Styrofoam) in foodrelated businesses. Unfortunately, they’re not quite moving in the right direction. HB 407 (Rep. Mark Noland, R-Bigfork) would prohibit local governments from regulating food packaging or containers (i.e., plastic and Styrofoam). The bill would achieve this goal by prohibiting local governments from taking any action, including a voter referendum, to regulate or tax these containers. This bill has passed the House and is awaiting a hearing in
and presidential approval of the Keystone XL Pipeline. Montanans have different priorities for the future of our state, from reducing our dependence on fossil fuels to creating livelihoods for our communities that last more than just a couple of years. Keystone XL would deepen the climate crisis, rendering the long-term prospects of sustainable local economies less viable. M EIC supported SB 146 (Sen. Shane Morigeau, D-Missoula), which would have established Indigenous Peoples’ Day as a statewide holiday, replacing Columbus. As a holiday, Indigenous Peoples’ Day better celebrates the durability of some of the most universally held Montana values – our dedication to our families and our communities – by uplifting those who first established those as traditions here. The bill would have helped Montanans deepen their appreciation of the contributions that Indigenous community members make to our state. Unfortunately, this bill was tabled in committee. the Senate. Please call your senator and urge them to vote NO. On the other end of the spectrum was SB 265 (Rep. Marilyn Marler, D-Missoula). This bill would have phased out the use of polystyrene for food-related businesses in Montana over the next five years. Throughout 2024 and 2025, restaurants would have had to stop using polystyrene for to-go boxes and serving food and beverages. By 2026, food packaging plants would have had to use alternatives to polystyrene. Unfortunately, this bill was tabled in committee.
Styrofoam Dreams
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Protecting Montana’s natural environment since 1973 .
