Montana’s Public Service Commission is accepting public comments and holding public hearings on NorthWestern Energy’s Integrated Resource Plan throughout the state this August. This plan will determine how energy is produced for the majority of our municipalities over the next 20-30 years, so it is hugely important that we raise our voices and demand clean and affordable energy NOW! Read on to find out how you can take action.
Read MoreA reflection and call to action from our Executive Director
In Montana, despite my perception of a mild summer, we’re already experiencing big trouble: record lows in Flathead Lake’s water level, fishing restrictions on important rivers, and according to the Daily Montanan, “a high-pressure ridge is expected to push temperatures into the 90s and near 100 degrees this weekend into early next week in western Montana – about 15 degrees above normal.”
After listening to the poem “Dandelion is the New Guru” by Lisa Bellamy and rereading a DearTomorrow letter I had written to my daughter in 2021 for her to read 2050, my heart broke wide open as I was reminded that there is no giving up, because that would mean giving up on my child and her future.
Read MoreThe historic climate trial, Held v. State of Montana, is the FIRST youth-led and the first constitutional climate lawsuit to go to trial in the United States. The trial takes place June 12-23, 2023 at the First Judicial District Court, 228 E Broadway St, Helena, MT 59601. Court is scheduled for 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. weekdays.
There will be activities and events throughout the entire two weeks of trial, as well as many ways to show your support. Families for a Livable Climate will be attending and providing activities during the first two days, June 12 and 13. Join us as we support the courageous youth plaintiffs, stand witness to these historic events, and commit to protect the future of all young Montanans through meaningful climate action.
Read MoreThank you to the more than 60 individuals who traveled to Helena this week (and countless others who called and wrote messages) to testify against HB 971, a bill that the House suspended its rules to introduce, which would ban consideration of climate impacts and exempt DEQ from analyzing environmental, cultural and economic impacts of mining, air, and oil and gas projects. Learn more about HB 971 here and SB 557 here.
This bill, along with SB 557 (another bill targeting MEPA) passed out of committee. Take action today!
At Families for a Livable Climate, we’re super excited at all the opportunities presented for homeowners and renters through the Inflation Reduction Act, and we’re grateful and inspired by all the amazing local groups pioneering electrification programs in Montana communities, such as our friends at Climate Smart Missoula and their Electrify Missoula!
In celebration of Earth Week, we’ve prepped a few extra resources to get you started in thinking about electrifying your life!
Read MoreParents and caregivers: Please join us on THIS MONDAY, APRIL 17, at 3 p.m. with the House Natural Resources Committee to speak out against HB 971--a bill introduced late Friday after lawmakers suspended the rules to admit a new bill (post transmittal). Register to testify for the 3 p.m. hearing this Monday via Zoom; you MUST REGISTER before 5 pm on Sunday, April 16: https://leg.mt.gov/session/have-your-say/. You do not need to register to testify in person.
HB 971 would repeal the Montana Environmental Policy Act (MEPA) for all projects that could harm our environment and climate if the Montana Supreme Court were to ever find that Montanans’ right to a clean and healthful environment requires state agencies to consider climate impacts. If the court finds that climate change must be considered, then the state department of environment quality does not have to comply with MEPA for air pollution permits, coal mines, open cut permits, hard rock mines, and more.
Read MoreThe Montana Public Service Commission is accepting public comment on NorthWestern Energy’s recent proposed rate increases, which are tied to increased investments in fossil fuel infrastructure. Learn more and submit your comment by April 11, 2023.
Read MoreThe House Business and Labor Committee will hear HB 638, a bill to phase out Expanded Polystyrene (Styrofoam) in food-related businesses in Montana. Here's what you can do!
Read MoreOn Tuesday, February 14, at 3 p.m., the House Local Government Committee will hear HB 413. HB 413 will repeal HB 407, restoring local power to regulate plastics in Montana. Here's what you can do!
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