2 minute read
Tribal Rights
from Down to Earth: March 2021
by MEIC
Infrastructure vs. Tribal Rights
by Derf Johnson & Cari Kimball
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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 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.
MEIC 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.
This session has seen a couple the Senate. Please call your senator of bills focused on the use of polystyrene (Styrofoam) in food- Styrofoam and urge them to vote NO. On the other end of the spectrum related businesses. Unfortunately, they’re not quite moving in the Dreams was SB 265 (Rep. Marilyn Marler, D-Missoula). This bill would have right direction. phased out the use of polystyrene for
HB 407 (Rep. Mark Noland, R-Bigfork) food-related businesses in Montana over the next would prohibit local governments from five years. Throughout 2024 and 2025, restaurants regulating food packaging or containers (i.e., would have had to stop using polystyrene for plastic and Styrofoam). The bill would achieve to-go boxes and serving food and beverages. By this goal by prohibiting local governments from 2026, food packaging plants would have had to taking any action, including a voter referendum, use alternatives to polystyrene. Unfortunately, to regulate or tax these containers. This bill has this bill was tabled in committee. passed the House and is awaiting a hearing in