Issue Position: Land Use and the Environment

Issue Position

Expertise in Environmental Law

Like all Montanans, I want to see our environment protected by effective, common sense laws that also ensure we are able to take advantage of access to recreation and economic opportunity. Before becoming Attorney General, I had experience working in state agencies on environmental issues, and I brought forward the first state environmental criminal case in the history of the state.

Ten Mile Project

For a number of years, the city of Helena worked with state and federal agencies to develop a plan to reduce the threat of wildfire in an area the city depends on for its drinking water. When the plan moved forward, out-of-state and out-of-touch environmental groups sued in federal court to stop the project. My office filed a brief in conjunction with another state agency to fight for Helena's clean water. The federal judge rejected the arguments from the out-of-state group and allowed the project to go forward.

Land Board

As one of five members of the Land Board, I have diligently and actively participated in every Land Board meeting since taking office. As I make important decisions, I try to ensure we maximize returns for Montana's schools, keep state lands open to the public for hunting, fishing and recreation, and give farmers, ranchers and the wood products industry the opportunity to responsibly use state trust land.

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