Now that the legislative session is up and running...
A few weeks into the legislative session, we're starting to learn more about what's going on in Helena, when it comes to environmental laws, land use laws and laws affecting all of our civil rights.
At PCEC, we are relying on our partners in Helena to keep tabs, and we're excited to be hosting the Montana Environmental Information Center for a Community Conversation on Wednesday, Feb. 8, at noon. You can register for that here.
If you haven't already, please take time to fill out our legislative survey.
In the meantime, we're working with partners like MEIC and NRDC on monitoring laws that affect us here in Park County.
MEIC is hosting an event in Bozeman, tomorrow, January 26 at 6 p.m. Called the legislative roadshow, the hourlong meeting will take place at the FWP office at 1400 S 19th Ave, Bozeman, MT 59718.
From MEIC:
Join us in a community near you to get the latest, greatest, and “thanks, we hate it”-ist from the 2023 Legislative Session.
Bring your questions about bills that impact our clean air, clean water, livable communities, and energy concerns in Montana.
If you're looking for more information, we recommend following Montana Free Press, as well as the below nonprofits:
Montana Environmental Information Center
MEIC is the leading voice for the environment in Helena. We look to their watchful eye for guidance on when and how we should be involved. They have a really great legislative session webpage. They also have a helpful bill tracker.
Maybe the easiest way to stay up-to-date is their weekly legislative updates on Thursdays at 4:30 p.m. on Zoom. You can view past recordings here.
Tomorrow's update is especially noteworthy, as MEIC will be hosting the ACLU to discuss bills that affect all of our civil rights.
Northern Plains Resource Council
Northern Plains is a leader in the state when it comes to clean energy, agriculture and quality of life, and we highly recommend following them for more information on those issues. You can see their legislative guide here.
Northern Plains also has a bill tracker available here.
Forward Montana
Forward Montana is publishing weekly blogs called "What the Helena" to help you keep you up-to-date on how proposed bills would affect young Montanans.
You can also listen to the "What the Helena" podcast.
Montana Wildlife Federation
MWF is keeping tabs on all the wildlife bills in Helena this session. You can read more about the proposals in their Capitol Report.
MWF also has a helpful guide on how to be involved.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Community Conversation: Yellowstone River Recreation Study
Wednesday, February 1, noon
Zoom: Register now!
Interested in what recreational use looked like on the Yellowstone river during the summer of 2022 after an historic flood event closed the north entrance to Yellowstone and transformed the river and the summer?
Join us virtually on February 1st, at 12:00pm, for a community conversation on the latest data from year-three of the Upper Yellowstone Watershed Group’s Yellowstone River Recreation Use Study.
Analysis of the River Recreation data from the past two seasons is in full swing. Whitney Tilt, with the UYWG, is planning to discuss a preliminary report with its findings, and what the next steps are moving forward.
The purpose of the study, begun in 2020, is to establish a baseline of recreational use on the upper Yellowstone River, from Gardiner downstream to Carter’s Bridge, by level and type of use, time of season, and location. It also seeks to evaluate the “carrying capacity” at various river access sites with boat launch facilities, and identify what improvements might be considered.
The River Recreation study study grew from the concern expressed by our community around a noticed increase of use, and will help us as we move into the future and come up against the need to make some important decisions regarding how we responsibly use and enjoy the river.
Learn more about the study here.
Community Conversation: Legislative Update with MEIC
Wednesday, February 8, noon
Zoom: Register here!
This is a very hectic legislative session and our partners at the Montana Environmental Information Center will update us on bills that will impact our work and local community regarding the Montana Constitution, open cut mining, land use and planning.
MEIC will answer your questions about these bills and give us information on how and when to testify and make comments. Join us on Wednesday, February 8th at noon on Zoom.