At Families for a Livable Climate, we welcome opportunities to reflect, renew, and realign. The new year signals these practices for many of us, so following are a few resources to help us (re)commit to ringing in a livable future for all.
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The Montana Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) has opened public discussion to review and “modernize” the Montana Environmental Policy Act (MEPA). This move to publicly review MEPA is an attempt to avoid complying with the Held v. State of Montana decision, which upholds the state’s right (and obligation) to consider climate change impacts when issuing permits. Now is the time to speak up and show the DEQ that the MEPA process MUST continue to include climate change considerations. Read on for details, talking points, and to find out how you can take action.
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Montanans want an energy plan that protects our pocketbooks, families, and futures. It is long past time for NorthWestern Energy to acknowledge that, and to follow through on their promise to “deliver a bright future” by transitioning to clean and affordable energy NOW.
Today (August 28) is the FINAL DAY to submit comments to the Public Service Commission on NorthWestern Energy’s Integrated Resource Plan! Send your written comment to pschelp@mt.gov and include “Regarding docket 2022.11.102” in the subject line.
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The U.S. EPA is proposing a new set of standards that strongly curtail carbon emissions from coal-fired power plants. Comment by August 8 and tell the EPA to support these new power plant standards that will combat climate change, improve public health, and protect our environment. Find details and instructions here.
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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.
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A 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.
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The 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.
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Thank 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!
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