Environment and Public Lands

Climate Change

The South Central Montana floods last spring taught us that we can’t ignore climate change. This is also especially evident in Montana agriculture. The Montana Climate Change Assessment from MSU has it right: “Montana agriculture has always faced volatility, extreme events, and variability across the state and these conditions will continue to be the case with projected climate changes in Montana.” There is no one solution to these problems. Changes in crop varieties, flexible planting schedules, and cooperative management of water resources can all help. What won’t help is Matt Rosendale’s insistence that climate change is all about the Keystone Pipeline. Producing more oil, gas, and coal won’t help Montana farmers and ranchers who see their profits go to corporations, put up with competition from foreign countries that don’t have our environmental and safety regulations, and struggle to develop local markets.

Public Lands

We have to stand with everyday Montanans when it comes to access to what makes Montana great: our public lands. Abundant fish and wildlife is an integral part of our heritage, identity and lifestyle. Public lands must remain public. This is why I oppose Matt Rosendale's efforts to gut The Federal Aid in Wildlife and Sportfish Restoration Acts (also known as the Pittman-Robertson and Dingell-Johnson Acts). All the revenue from these acts goes directly to the states. Montana relies on that revenue for conservation efforts and to protect access to our public lands. With less revenue, Montana would be forced to sell some public land to protect reduced conservation and wildlife development on what remains.