State of Montana Archives: on Environment


Albert Olszewski: Let Montanans control state land

Source: 2018 Montana Senatorial website AlForSenate.us Nov 7, 2017

Amanda Curtis: Big supporter of protecting access to public lands

She's a big supporter of protecting access to public lands, she said, and "keeping the government out of our bedrooms and our doctor's offices." She sponsored several bills that session, including one aimed at increasing the percentage of Montana workers hired for public works projects. She was a vocal opponent of other bills she said amounted to a "full assault on people" by taking aim at free, public education, workers' rights and access to courts and public lands.
Source: Billings Gazette on 2014 Montana Senate race Aug 16, 2014

Bill McChesney: Manage wolf hunting; preserve open spaces

Q: Do you support the state management of wolf hunting in Montana?

A: Yes.

Q: Do you support state funding for open space preservation?

A: Yes.

Source: Montana State Congressional 2010 Political Courage Test Nov 1, 2010

Bob Kelleher: Return rail passenger in southern Montana

I have been fighting for a return of rail passenger service from Seattle and Portland across southern Montana. 160 mph service from downtown Billings to Downtown Denver will be competitive cost-wise and time-wise with flights out of Billings to Denver International. No Montana member of Congress wants this rail service. We need this railroad for Homeland Security to move troops and for civilian use including students going to and from college. MontRail will provide more jobs for Montanans.
Source: Bob’s Message to Montana Schoolkids (15-min. TV interview) Oct 1, 2002

Casey Schreiner: Opposes sale of public lands to highest bidder

In Montana our public lands aren't just a way of life, they are a job creator and an economic engine for our state. Casey stood strong in the legislature to beat back attempts to transfer or sell off our public lands to the highest bidder. As governor, Casey will ensure Montana's public lands are here for our kids and grandkids, so they can appreciate the same Montana we know and love.
Source: 2020 Montana governor campaign website CaseyForMontana.com Dec 31, 2019

Casey Schreiner: A fearless advocate for outdoor heritage

State Sen. Tom Jacobson is a Democrat representing District 11 in Great Falls: "I'm proud to announce I'm endorsing Casey Schreiner for governor. We have Casey to thank for never once backing down in the face of threats to our public lands. He grew up in a hunting family and is a fearless advocate for our state's outdoor heritage. Casey has a 100% voting record groups such as the Montana Sportsman Alliance because he understands access, fair chase and preserving our outdoor heritage."
Source: Daily Interlake on 2020 Montana gubernatorial endorsements Dec 22, 2019

Corey Stapleton: Stricter environmental regulations with federal flexibility

Q: Should state environmental regulations be stricter than federal law?

A: Yes.

Source: 2000 Montana State National Political Awareness Test Nov 1, 2000

Dennis Rehberg: EPA is heavy-handed; don't pick winners and losers

Rehberg said, "I don't think government should be picking winners and losers. Government should be creating an environment of liberating Main Street."

"As the government grows bigger, we lose our freedoms and our opportunities," Rehberg said, referring to the heavy-handedness of the Environmental Protection Agency and Dodd-Frank banking regulations that have hindered local lending and economic development.

Source: Daily Inter Lake on 2012 Montana Senate debates Oct 14, 2012

Greg Gianforte: Favors repeal of regulations; end "war on coal"

The Trump administration unveiled its rule to repeal regulations on power-plant emissions, It also gives states more authority to devise plans for emission reductions and the local mix of power production. Gianforte hailed the plan for ending the "war on coal."

"I welcome this new rule that will help reduce emissions, maintain state authority and flexibility and recognizes the important role that innovation and modernization can play in our existing coal-generation facilities," he said.

Source: KXLF-4/Butte on 2020 Montana gubernatorial race Jun 19, 2019

Jack Ciattarelli: Comply with law but balance interests

I'm one of those people who feels if there's a law, you've got to comply with it. So, I hold people accountable, whether it's the environment or anything else. But I also feel that in many cases, there's a way forward, whether it's mining or drilling or logging, where you can be environmentally sensitive but [also advance economic interests]. But I also believe there are places where we shouldn't go--where we shouldn't drill, we shouldn't mine.
Source: Boulder Monitor on 2020 Montana gubernatorial race Apr 1, 2020

John Bohlinger: Control SO2 emissions; fund recycling; no cyanide in mining

Source: Montana Legislative 1998 National Political Awareness Test Nov 1, 1998

John Edward Walsh: More regulations to develop natural resources responsibly

He acknowledged the Berkeley Pit, a former copper mining pit with toxic chemicals, as a failure in responsible energy development. "Never again will we have another Berkeley Pit anywhere in Montana, or anywhere in the US, for that matter. We need to make sure that when we develop our natural resources that we do it responsibly," Walsh said. "We have one environment, and we need to make sure it's taken care of and I'm sure that each and every one of you in this room, we don't have to tell you, we're putting more regulations on you to make sure that that happens, so thank you for that."
Source: Sydney (Australia) Herald on 2014 Montana Senate debates Nov 9, 2013

Jon Tester: Sought removal of wolves from the endangered list

Rehberg persistently hammered Tester as a front-man for the Obama administration. Tester touted legislation he sponsored or supported to help seniors, veterans and the uninsured.

Tester dismissed claims that he's sided with Obama and the Democrats on the vast majority of issues. He cited the auto industry bailout, proposals to regulate farm dust and youth labor and the removal of wolves from the endangered list as instances when he's gone against members of his party.

Rehberg spoke of the need for "Montana solutions" and declared his support for government assistance to ensure rural areas of the state are provided adequate highways and air and train service.

Source: The Republic on 2012 Montana Senate debates Jun 17, 2012

Judy Martz: Stewardship belongs with the states

Montanans stand tall when we take a measure of those who battled in one way or another against wildfire last summer. With time, valuable resources and possessions will be replaced. For some things, it will take as long as a generation. But we will remember fire's lesson: Our survival in a fragile ecosystem depends upon careful stewardship and ultimately the grace of God.

We expect a seat at the table in planning how to effectively manage the forests we recreate in and rely upon. We will urge the Bush Administration to listen to the West, and return stewardship responsibility to our capable hands where it belongs. And we will not rest until our voices are heard. Montana should lead in making decisions about managing OUR land. We will never forget the industries that built this state -- and I support environmentally safe mining, timber-harvest and oil and gas production on our public lands.

Source: 2001 State of the State Address to Montana Legislature Jan 25, 2001

Judy Martz: Government duty to protect species & water

Government, particularly in Montana, has a significant duty to protect our water rights, stream access, habitat and wildlife. Access to our rivers and streams in Montana has been an important issue since pioneers first arrived. The Stream Access Law withstood two court challenges and we formed citizen advisory councils who have offered common sense solutions for some of our stream-crowding issues.

Water in the West, as we all know, is like gold. Montana institutionalized the leasing of water for in-stream and fisheries benefits. We will continue to support efforts to protect species of special concern. We will continue to support the catch and release angling for bull and cutthroat trout in an effort to help these species survive. We will continue to implement species conservation plans for our native cutthroat trout, bull trout, grayling, and sturgeon.

Source: 2001 State of the State Address to Montana Legislature Jan 25, 2001

Matt Rosendale: No state funding for open space preservation

Q: Do you support state funding for open space preservation?

A: No.

Q: Do you support increasing the means by which hunters may take wolves?

A: Yes.

Q: Should Montana reintroduce bison on public lands?

A: No.

Q: Do you support enacting environmental regulations aimed at reducing the effects of climate change?

A: No.

Rosendale adds, "I feel that the best support we can provide is a clear and concise regulatory environment that developers of any type can navigate without surprises."

Source: Montana 2012 Political Courage Test Nov 1, 2012

Matt Rosendale: More local management for healthy forests; fewer fires

We need to properly manage our forests. We have to stop these extreme environmentalists and their frivolous lawsuits that are keeping our timber industry shut down and preventing us from having healthier forests. We can't prevent every fire but we can take action to reduce fire risk and severity. Watching our forests burn every summer isn't smart policy and I'll fight to bring much needed reform for more state and local management.
Source: NBC MT/KECI on 2020 Montana Senate race May 21, 2018

Mike Cooney: Fund open space preservation

Source: 2006 Montana Gubernatorial National Political Awareness Test Nov 1, 2006

Mike Cooney: Stronger requirements to protect critical wildlife areas

Q: Tighten or loosen environmental laws?

Mike Cooney: Tighten or continue. Supports stronger requirements for oil and gas producers to protect critical wildlife areas. Protect public lands against privatization.

Greg Gianforte: Loosen. "Excessive regulations are a wet blanket on job creators." Would "modernize" the Endangered Species Act. Opposes "overbearing government mandates."

Source: CampusElect survey on 2020 Montana Gubernatorial race Nov 3, 2020

Reilly Neill: Apply science to best preserve our public lands

We need to tackle the tough issues of persistent drought, deluges, and wildfire across the state and continue work within our state agencies to identify and prepare for projected impacts in order to fortify Montana's economy and make it strong and sustainable in the face of climate change.

I believe in science. From stream flows to crop yields, science is an integral part of a modern economy. We need a Governor who will not undermine the labor of scientists across working every day on advances in medical, agricultural and business fields across the state. We need to use studies and data from biology, engineering, physics, and other sciences in order to make wise decisions for the state.

The land in Montana is a special place, with significance to us all, in some way or another, we are all part of this land where we live. Preserving our public lands and managing these lands so that future generations have rights to hunt, fish and recreate is a priority for me and many Montanans.

Source: Ballotpedia.org Connection: 2020 Montana Governor race Sep 9, 2019

Ryan Zinke: Cleanup industrial sites; preserve open space

Source: Montana Congressional 2008 Political Courage Test Nov 1, 2008

Sam Rankin: We live in cycles with all other systems

We can learn much from Native Americans about Mother Earth. As a biology student and teacher, I understand the cycle we live in with all other systems. There can be no substitute for caution in how we develop our resources. There are many scientific advances on the horizon that will allow us to reap rewards from our abundant resources and not ruin our precious national environment. We also need to realize that the modern technologies are not labor intensive and that those days will never return. Therefore, many of the communities impacted by technology should be assisted in making the transition; however, there should be sunset provisions. The environment is more than jobs for extractive industries. It is a valuable economic base which future generations can use for their livelihood, if it is still here. What we have here in Montana we cannot take for granted, nor can we leave behind people caught in the change.
Source: 2012 Montana House campaign website, srankin.qwestoffice.net Oct 14, 2011

Steve Bullock: Tackle the threat of invasive species

Governor Steve Bullock was joined by sportsmen, conservationists, and land managers as he signed an executive order improving and streamlining Montana's efforts to tackle the threat of invasive species in the state. The order establishes the Montana Invasive Species Council (MISC) to serve as the overarching council to combat invasive species in the state--both aquatic and terrestrial.

"Montanans cherish our outdoor recreation and spaces, and those spaces play a crucial role in our state's vibrant economy. It is imperative that we do everything we can to protect Montana from the threat of invasive species that disrupt our land, water, and native species," Bullock said. "None of us want another knapweed spreading across Montana."