Two quick actions on public health and climate that matter to Montana now!
As we shelter in place, ever grateful that we have a Governor who is attuned to our values, as well as math and science, and acting accordingly to help keep our communities safe, there is still so much troubling news. What can we do? Engage in mutual aid, call to check on our neighbors, stay home. Today and tomorrow you can also make two very important calls for protecting public health and climate in Montana:
Call and email Governor Bullock's office, and thank the Governor and his staff for showing strong leadership on COVID-19. His decisive leadership and early actions will save lives. I applaud the strong steps the Governor has taken in this crisis--we are lucky to have him. But, as a follow up to your thanks, be sure to ask why the Keystone XL project is proceeding in the middle of a pandemic, bringing hundreds of workers into small Montana communities with limited health services, when oil prices are crashing and the pipeline is unneeded (it's a short cut after all for an existing pipeline)? Not to mention litigation is still pending, and permits are not complete. Ask the Governor to halt construction activities, withdraw workers already dispatched, and protect Montana rural communities. Then, please sign this petition asking the same.
Contact the Montana Public Service Commission by this Tuesday, April 7. The Montana Public Service Commission is actually considering whether to investigate how climate change and fossil fuels impact ratepayers, but they need to hear from us. Call the general Public Service Commission Consumer Line: 1-800-646-6150. When you call, state your name, town, and phone number. Say you would like to leave a public comment for your commissioner related to an action they are taking at their next work session (Tues., April 7). Leave a message like the following: As your constituent, I urge you to vote “yes” to initiate a non-contested docket on the subject of climate change. Such an investigation is critical for Montanans like me who are concerned about how climate change and fossil fuel resources will affect my utility rates now and in the future.
Stay safe. Stay home. Stay well.