State of Montana Archives: on Environment
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
Steve Bullock:
Expanded fishing rights regardless of streambed ownership
In 2008, Montana voters elected the Columbia Law School graduate as their attorney general, and he rewarded them by working with the legislature to codify a legal opinion on stream access that he had written while working as an assistant attorney
general in the late 1990s. The law allowed anglers to access any river or stream regardless of streambed ownership. The law is frequently touted by his supporters as a victory for local fisherman over out-of-state landowners.
Source: The Nation magazine on 2020 Montana Senate race
Jul 6, 2020
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
Whitney Williams:
Defend Montana against wealthy interests buying public land
She's running for Governor to do the same in the state her family homesteaded six generations ago. As Governor, Whitney will fight back against the constant threat to our public lands from Big Money and special interests.
She'll finally hold pharmaceutical companies accountable for the price of prescription drugs, and she'll defend the Montana we know and love against wealthy out-of-staters buying up land and cutting off access.
Source: 2020 MT Gubernatorial campaign website WhitneyForMontana.com
Jan 23, 2020
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
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
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
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
Albert Olszewski:
Let Montanans control state land
- Increase the number of Montanans who are able to make a living and provide for their families through the management of our public lands.
- Increase access to Montana's public lands for Montanans to hunt, fish, and recreate.
- Turn our lands
from a liability to a viable asset that produces revenue for our local towns and counties to provide infrastructure and public schools.
- The federal government should look to Montanans to understand our unique needs and on how to manage our lands.
Source: 2018 Montana Senatorial website AlForSenate.us
Nov 7, 2017
Steve Bullock:
MT economy depends on hunting & fishing; let's fund LWCF
For the first time in its fifty year history, Congress failed to reauthorize the Land and Water Conservation Fund. LWCF funds have a significant impact on Montana's economy. Active outdoor recreation contributes more than
$6.0 billion each year to the state's economy and supports 64,000 jobs. It's estimated that over 950,000 people hunt, fish, or watch wildlife in Montana each year, opportunities made possible in part by funding from the LWCF.
Source: State of the State speech to 2015 Montana legislature
Jan 28, 2015
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."
The MISC
will be tasked with identifying priorities for prevention and control of invasive species in Montana; and recommending and taking measures that will encourage prevention, early detection and control of harmful invasive species in Montana;
Source: 2014 Montana Governor's office press release governor.mt.gov
Dec 4, 2014
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Ryan Zinke:
Cleanup industrial sites; preserve open space
Zinke indicates support of the following principles regarding the environment.- Use state funds to clean up former industrial & commercial sites that are contaminated or abandoned.
- Support funding for improvements to Montana's power generating &
transmission facilities.
- Support funding for open space preservation.
- Zinke adds, "I support a sustainable yield policy in the harvest of forest products and strongly support timber harvest in areas that require thinning for fire prevention."
Source: Montana Congressional 2008 Political Courage Test
Nov 1, 2008
Mike Cooney:
Fund open space preservation
Cooney supported the following principles regarding the environment and energy:- Support funding for open space preservation.
-
Enact environmental regulations even if they are stricter than federal law.
- Require that water withdrawn from coal bed wells be injected back into the aquifers or treated before being discharged into rivers and streams.
Source: 2006 Montana Gubernatorial National Political Awareness Test
Nov 1, 2006
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
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
Corey Stapleton:
Stricter environmental regulations with federal flexibility
Q: Should state environmental regulations be stricter than federal law?A: Yes.
Indicate which principles you support regarding the environment and energy. - Request added flexibility from the federal government in enforcing and funding federal
environmental regulations.
- Encourage further development and use of alternative fuels to reduce pollution.
- Support "self-audit" legislation which creates incentives for industries to audit themselves and clean up pollution.
Source: 2000 Montana State National Political Awareness Test
Nov 1, 2000
John Bohlinger:
Control SO2 emissions; fund recycling; no cyanide in mining
Bohlinger Indicates support of the following principles regarding the environment.- Support proposed construction of a new water supply for Fort Peck rural water users.
- Support the State Implementation Plan to control sulfur dioxide emissions
from industrial facilities in the Billings/Laurel area.
- Provide funding for recycling programs in Montana.
- Request added flexibility from the federal government in enforcing and funding federal environmental regulations.
-
Increase user fees at state parks to compensate for declining tax support.
- State environmental regulations should not be stricter than federal law.
- A: No.
- Q: Do you support federal regulations to kill buffalo in
Yellowstone National Park in order to reduce overpopulation?
- A: No.
- Q: Do you support cyanide gold and silver mining in Montana?
- A: No.
- Q:
Source: Montana Legislative 1998 National Political Awareness Test
Nov 1, 1998
Page last updated: Oct 13, 2021