Amazing report with a promising vision for rural America.

“Despite a turbulent start to the 2020s, an important and positive message for rural America is emerging in the decade ahead: rural communities have a significant opportunity to strengthen and diversify their local economies by embracing and actively engaging in the ongoing renewable energy transition.”

A healthy population lives in balance with natural elements. In our fourth and final Systems Change event video, you can find out how actions taken on your front step and in Montana's towns can have a great impact on waterways, biodiversity, climate action, and your community. Hear about wildlife friendly and food producing lawns, the cultural and ecological significance of local native plants, and transitioning away from chemicals for safe public spaces. This event was co-sponsored with our friends Stories for Action.

Introduced by Montana state representative Larry Brewster, who is a former Northwest Energy employee, HB 359 is bad for Montanans and our economy.

The result if HB 359 passes? It will effectively end the economic benefit that Montanans get for producing their own electricity. In 2019, the Montana Public Service Commission unanimously rejected a similar request by Northwestern to reduce the credit value of rooftop solar.

Don't let Northwestern Energy kill solar in Montana by taking money away from Montana families and businesses!

As we rekindle our commitment to a brighter future and share our 2021 Climate Resolutions (you can still share yours!), we understand that systems change must be at the top of the list. While there are a million lists on the internet for reducing your carbon footprint (definitely part of systems change, though sometimes it feels like victim blaming), we urgently need to build momentum for strong climate action in Montana and beyond. Here's our first take on a list of actions to help generate connection, action, and momentum.

In his final days in office, Governor Bullock holds immense power over the future of Montana and our children. His administration could deny the 401 water crossing permit for the Keystone XL pipeline.

When I read articles about "efficiency" in agriculture, I often hear arguments such as: how many gallons of water per pound of beef produced, or greenhouse gas emissions per pound, or other measurements like that. They compare those numbers of ranching "efficiency" to gallons or emissions per lb of vegetables, or compare feedlot beef to grassfed beef, etc. By this logic, feedlot beef may be more "efficient" than grass finished beef because grain finished beef finishes sooner, at 18 months, rather than older, at 24-30 months, there may actually be less methane emissions from the rumen for example per lb of meat produced. It is this same logic that makes “lab grown meat” look better. You need less water to grow beef in a petri dish than to feed a living breathing animal per lb of meat produced.

We are so grateful.

Since our efforts ramped up in September of last year, we have connected with more than 500 Montana families, other organizations, and community groups. It’s been a big year with big challenges for everyone and we appreciate the support and partnerships for what’s been accomplished so far. We have more to do. Check out our online “annual report” and see photos from the past year of actions and events!

The state of Montana and its Department of Environmental Quality agency have opted to host a separate public hearing on TransCanada’s water permits for KXL, on Monday, Nov. 16, 4:00-8:00 p.m. This post includes details on registering (required) for this event and also how to submit written comment by November 30.