Parents 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.

David Gelles | New York Times

In March of 2020, 16 young Montanans, with support from the nonprofit law firm, Our Children’s Trust, filed a lawsuit against the State of Montana. The plaintiffs argue that the state’s support of a fossil fuel-driven energy system is violating their constitutional right to a clean and healthful environment. The trial is historic: the first ever constitutional climate trial and first ever children’s climate trial in U.S. history.

The 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.

The Flathead Lakers and Families for a Livable Climate are partnering to host a youth creative writing contest! Now through April 16, youth ages 18 and under can submit their story for a special feature and a chance to receive $50. Selected stories will be published in The Changing Times magazine, and Families for a Livable Climate’s and Flathead Lakers’ news and media.

The 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!

Families for a Livable Climate is working with statewide partners to expand our Montana Climate Stories project with an open call for submissions now through February 27. Beginning this spring, we will bring live climate storytelling events to five Montana communities to provide the space and tools for Montanans to connect in community, break climate silence, and take action on climate.

On 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!

Want to make sure the kids at your child’s school are breathing clean air? Up for an easy, low-commitment volunteer project that will have a big impact? Join our Clean Air for Montana Kids network!

Missoula Current’s Martin Kidston writes (Feb. 6, 2023): “With overwhelming public support, members of the Missoula City Council on Monday gave final approval to a resolution urging the state Legislature to hand back local control on a number of issues, including a community's authority to regulate plastic.

The primary interest lies around single-uses plastics such as straws, stirrers, polystyrene containers and bags. Other states have regulated such plastics but under House Bill 407, adopted by the Legislature two years ago, Missoula and other interested Montana cities cannot.”