HE PLAINS TRUT THOMEGROWN PROSPERITY H VOICE OF THE NORTHERN PLAINS RESOURCE COUNCIL CONFERENCE SEPT. 10, See P. 5 VolumeVolume 45,44, Issue 3,4, SummerAutumn 22016015

Inside: Let the sun shine! n A word from our Chair...Page 2 n People of the Plains – Becky Mitchell...... 3 n Why I'm a Monthly Sustainer – Julia Page...... 3 n Homegrown Prosperity Conference coming...... 5 n Local Food Challenge...... 5 n Radioactive waste dumped...6 n Federal coal leasing reform...7 n Celebrating 10 years in Home on the Range...... 8 n Members mobilize against coal export terminal...... 9 n Governor shows path to clean energy future...... 10 n Net metering agreement reached...... 11 n Celebrating demise of Tongue River Railroad...... 12 n Northern Plains makes history and will archive it...... 13 n Annual Meeting moves...... 14 Photo by Tailyr Irvine/Billings Gazette, used with permission n Wild & Scenic Film Fests.....14 Northern Plains members and friends celebrate the new 24-kilowatt solar array over the Home on the Range parking lot on June 25. Along with the existing 10-killowatt array on the building, Home on the Range is now 100% solar powered. n Council Roundup...... 14-15 See story and more photos on Page 8. n Growing Our Membership....16 Five coal ports down, one to go On May 9, the U.S. Army Related stories on Pages 7 & 9 Environmental Impact Statement for Corps of Engineers denied the final proposed coal port – Longview, the permit application for the six proposed Pacific Northwest coal Washington’s, proposed Millennium O ports to be shelved. It was the largest proposed Gateway Pacific coal export Bulk Terminals. terminal in northwest Washington. It and would have been located at Cherry Northern Plains members participated determined that the terminal, if built, Point near Bellingham, Washington. vigorously in both processes, traveling would violate the Lummi Nation’s Just a few weeks later, the Washington long distances to testify on the impacts sovereign treaty rights. Department of Ecology wrapped up those projects would inflict The denial makes Gateway the fifth of its public comment period on the draft on Montana. A+ organizing success in Carbon County ocal affiliates are part of the initiated measures to protect water lifeblood of Northern Plains. resources and property rights during LCampaign plans are our maps oil and gas development. Their nearly to winning issues. You – the members three-year campaign resulted in a – are the leaders and voice of this once-thought-impossible victory. organization. It started in October of 2013, CCRC These are some of our basic principles members quickly responded when of grassroots organizing. And here’s a out-of-state oil company Energy We are thrilled story of how Carbon County Resource Corporation of America (ECA) about what the Council (CCRC), a local affiliate in promised prosperity and to “bring Commissioners southcentral Montana, followed these something like the Bakken” to Carbon have done for principles and succeeded. County residents. the future of Members of Carbon County Resource Council gather before Carbon” County. In fact, on July 18, 2016, the Carbon a meeting of the Carbon County Commissioners in which – Susann Beug new, stricter rules on oil and gas development were passed. County Commission approved citizen- Continued on Page 4 CCRC Chair

The Plains Truth Summer 2016 Page 1 TO THE MEMBERS PEOPLE OF THE PLAINS A new, sunny day for Home on the Range Becky Mitchell finds community in Northern Plains n a bright, windy morning this of Resource Councils and Western Native philosophy put into practice. Since HOTR s I’ve gotten older, I’ve realized June, a crowd of about 100 people Voice, could be even more energy efficient. was completed in 2006, we've saved over how connected to the landscape Ocelebrated the 10th anniversary of To that end, a tremendous infrastructure $80,000 on gas and electric bills compared we all are. The landscape has Home on the Range and the unveiling of our campaign was launched, hundreds of people to a conventional building of the same size; “A Northern formed a big part of who I am.” new, truly impressive solar installation. contributed, and we were able to install a new we've saved upwards of $750,000 on rent; Plains is an solar array to make the building 100% green and we've held over 60 Northern Plains Growing up in Livingston, Becky Mitchell organization Leading up to the celebration, I thought a lot energy powered. board meetings and hundreds of special spent much of her childhood on the I really feel about what Home on the Range events and important issue-related meetings. Yellowstone River or on her uncle’s farm, connected (HOTR) has meant to me, and But the infrastructure campaign is about fostering a growing connection to water to, ”both how the building itself embodies more than the solar array. It’s about building Part of sustainability is also going local and and land. When she graduated from the philosophically the Northern Plains commitment the long-term strength of our organization. being involved with the community. We’re University of Montana in Missoula, she and in the way to sustainability and community. I Northern Plains is rightly known as a scrappy proud to hire unionized, local builders and deeply loved the mountains and rivers that we involve our was reminded that the investments fighter, a lean organization that takes on the electricians for our remodel and solar array. defined her western Montana childhood, but members. of love, care, and, yes, money are biggest challenges. And, like in any good We’re glad we could buy solar panels made it wasn’t until moving to Lewistown for work – Becky Mitchell needed to make a house a home. underdog story, we actually win. A lot. But in the U.S., reuse materials throughout the that she developed a deep love of the plains. It makes HOTR more than just instead of resting on our laurels, the question building, and even serve refreshments from a funky, energy-efficient building has arisen “How can we do more? How can local producers at our anniversary party. Becky first encountered Northern Plains in in downtown Billings – it’s also a we be stronger in the future?” Going forward, we hope to expand the the early 1980s when she attended an Annual beacon of community and hope solar project so it powers even more of our Meeting. She was immediately drawn to the In addition to becoming 100% solar powered, Photo by Neal Hines for so many across Montana. Billings community. people and the feeling of community she our infrastructure campaign is helping us to Becky Mitchell, right, lays out her vision during a community discussion earlier this year on observed among them. Becky was living in proposals for the former Corette Power Plant site on Billings’ riverfront. Familiar and new faces gathered that morning build our staff capacity, record our incredible Walking the talk isn’t always the easiest or Red Lodge at the time, and began attending to learn about HOTR’s sustainability history, upgrade our technology, and reach out most convenient choice. But we think we’re meetings about a local gravel pit mine. if you’ll excuse the pun.” irritating and Becky worried about the health credentials. They heard the story of how a to even more Montanans. This effort will help better off in the long run for investing in of kids growing up nearby. She remembers it Admittedly, she had a “bad habit of going to Becky believes we are living in an exciting windowless, abandoned eyesore on a busy us launch new campaigns (like sustainable soil sustainable projects and organizational being “eye-opening to observe the issues of meetings and not joining,” but eventually she time, on the brink of “a new energy Billings street was transformed into the first building and expanded clean energy access fortitude. I’m proud to know that, because increased rail traffic in a neighborhood with joined and has been involved ever since. paradigm” that includes good jobs and justice LEED-platinum certified building in 14 for all Montanans) and support our successful so many have invested together, our Home lots of young families,” and now that the for workers who have been displaced by states. How that example inspired others in current campaigns. on the Range will continue to be a place for “Northern Plains is an organization I number of oil trains have increased as well, the fossil fuel industry. She wonders where Billings to follow suit and how, 10 years later, community, innovation, and resilience for really feel connected to,” Becky said, “both there are much more extreme concerns, such Up-front investments to strengthen and this transition may take us and relishes the Billings is home to several LEED platinum decades to come. philosophically and in the way we involve our as a derailment. stabilize our organization do pay off. Home opportunity to help steer it in whatever way buildings. And Northern Plains knew that our members.” on the Range is the perfect example of this she can. Becky loves that being a member of Northern home, shared with the Western Organization – Kate French, Northern Plains Chair A Northern Plains leader Plains gives her an avenue to do something Trains through neighborhood The Plains Truth Today, Becky is Northern Plains’ Board about the issues that concern her, but the The Plains Truth is published by Northern Plains Resource Becky lives in Billings and works at a thing she loves most is the community. Council. Northern Plains members receive The Plains Treasurer, as well as a member of the Coal Truth as one of the benefits of membership. Task Force, the Homegrown Prosperity Task retirement home. She lives in a neighborhood Membership Dues Force, and the Organization and Finance Task bisected by train tracks and says that when “Nature has always provided a lot of insight $500+ Riders of the Big Sky $50 Range Rider she moved in, the sound of one or two trains into who I am, and I think a lot of Northern $200 Bottom Line Rider $40 General Member Force. Right now, she feels most passionate $100 Rough Rider $15-$39 Living Lightly about the transition away from coal. coming through each day was “comforting” Plains members feel that way,” she said. www.northernplains.org Endowment and reminded her of her childhood. As coal “It’s that feeling of community that’s an The Northern Plains Endowment is a permanent fund Northern Plains Resource Council is a grassroots conservation and family agriculture group. Northern Plains organizes established to help sustain Northern Plains’ work “We focus so much on the extraction of exports increased, however, the number of important part of Montana; Northern Plains Montana citizens to protect our water quality, family farms, and unique quality of life. into the future. If you want to make a donation, coal,” she says, it’s time to change our way of trains went up to at least 10 every day. The makes it a priority.” a memorial gift, or a bequest to this fund, please Northern Plains Board of Directors contact the Northern Plains office. thinking and “catch the winds that we have, noise pollution and the diesel smell became – Ella Smith Northern Plains Staff Chair Vice Chair Secretary Staff Director: Teresa Erickson Kate French, Bozeman Jeanie Alderson, Birney Beth Kaeding, Bozeman Development Coordinator: Steve Paulson Why I’m a Monthly Sustainer Director of Organizing and Campaigns: Treasurer Assistant Secretary Assistant Treasurer Olivia Stockman Splinter Remember us Becky Mitchell, Billings Cindy Webber, Big Timber Ed Gulick, Billings Deputy Director of Organizing: Svein Newman Monthly giving an easy way to show my support Political Organizer: Adam Haight in your will Past Chair Organizers: Maggie Zaback, Alicia Pettys, ulia Page was first introduced to Northern show that.” Moreover, she appreciates the Steve Charter, Shepherd Hannah Hostetter, Colin Lauderdale, Ella Smith, Cameron Clevidence Plains when she joined Bear Creek Council convenience of setting up monthly giving and ill you continue to at-large board members Grassroots Fundraiser: Caleb Lande J partner with Northern Marketing Fundraiser: Sarah FitzGerald in the mid-’80s in response to the Jardine gold the flexibility to adjust the amount should she W Kathy Sikorski, Willard Janet McMillan, Greenough Jean Lemire Dahlman, Forsyth Walter Archer, Olive News & Communications Coordinator: Larry Winslow mine, tackling issues of water quality and hard choose to do so. Plains as you plan for your Office Manager: Karen Olson AFFILIATE board members Comptroller: Paula Berg rock mining. Several years later, her affiliate heirs? Technical Assistant: Kristal McKamey Many of our monthly sustainers share similar Bear Creek Council Sleeping Giant Citizens Council elected her as a representative to the Board of Food Hub Organizer: Cori Hart sentiments on giving regular support to a Your estate can help build a Nathan Varley, Gardiner Central Montana Mike Lee, Helena Canvass Director: Leah Berry Directors. She became Northern Plains’ Chair Resource Council Lead Canvasser: Caitlin Cromwell truly grassroots organization, knowing their stable future for the work you Canvasser: Sydney Ausen from 1995-97, involved primarily in energy Julia Page Beartooth Alliance Roger Lohrer, Lewistown Stillwater Protective believe in. Jesuit Volunteer: Julia Kehoe dollars are being well-spent. For us in the office, Nellie Israel, Joliet Noel Birkland, Lewistown Association issues and the pollution threats of hard rock Soil Fellow: Eamon Heberlein monthly giving reduces the number of renewal letters we Charles Sangmeister, Nye mining. If you wish to include Northern Bull Mountain Land Alliance Dawson Resource Council Bill Hand, Nye Western Organization of Resource Councils have to send, and evens out our cash flow to ensure we Ellen Pfister, Shepherd Northern Plains is a founding member of the Western Plains in your will, call us for Dennis Getz, Glendive Organization of Resource Councils. WORC is a Steve Charter, Shepherd Yellowstone Bend Citizens Council Julia moved to Idaho a few years ago, but she says being can respond quickly as new challenges arise. Seth Newton, Glendive regional network of eight grassroots community information that can help you Catherine Logan, Emigrant organizations that include 12,200 members in seven a Monthly Sustainer makes it easy for her to continue to Carbon County Resource Council Join Julia as a Monthly Sustainer! Just contact Caleb keep your values working for McCone Agricultural Joan Kresich, Livingston Western states. WORC helps its member groups support Northern Plains and protect Montana’s water Bill DeGroot, Red Lodge Protection Organization succeed by providing training and coordinating Lande to set up your monthly giving at 406-248-1154 or Montana far into the future. regional issue campaigns. Visit WORC at www.worc.org. quality and natural resources. Becky Grey, Red Lodge Charlie Yarger, Circle Yellowstone Valley [email protected]. Citizens Council Northern Plains Resource Council Call Steve at 406-248-1154. Cottonwood Resource Council Rosebud Protective Association Stuart Shay, Billings 220 South 27th Street, Suite A, Billings, MT 59101 “Northern Plains was and is very important to me,” Clint McRae, Forsyth Phone: 406-248-2110 Fax: 406-248-2110 she said. “And monthly giving makes it easy for me to – Julia Kehoe

The Plains Truth Summer 2016 Page 2 The Plains Truth Summer 2016 Page 3 LAND AND WATER GAINING GROUND POCO training best way to learn about organizing Time to focus on economic resiliency The story below about organizing in Carbon County illustrates the hard work, patience, and perseverance that grassroots organizing takes. Homegrown Prosperity One of the best ways to learn the tools of good organizing is through Conference to explore the Principles of Community Organizing (POCO) training offered each year by the staff of the Western Organization of Resource Councils. opportunities for all

At this year’s four-day training, which occurred in late July at the Home oin Northern Plains Resource Council on the Range, four members of Northern Plains participated. Pictured, from left, are Larry Bean, Kaitlynn Essig, Joy Barber, and John Brown. for a one-day Homegrown Prosperity Conference on Saturday, September 10. If you would like to participate next year, go to the www.worc.org J website after the first of the year to see when and where trainings will Help us explore how we can build an be held in 2017. You also can email Olivia at olivia@northernplains. economy that brings prosperity to all org to get on the announcement list to be the first to know when it is Homegrown Prosperity Conference FEATURED SPEAKERS Montanans – including rural communities, scheduled. Saturday, September 10 young folks, blue collar workers, and Native n Kimber Lanning – Executive 9 - 4:30 p.m. peoples. Director, Local First Arizona Billings Public Library Community Room Participants will leave not only inspired to 510 N. Broadway n Chris Woolery – How $mart KY while carrying out the work. Decision makers County Commission. build a new Montana economy, but also $25 registration fee - includes Program Coordinator, a program Carbon County knew that it wasn’t just one or two individuals “The Planning Board,” said Beug, “has taken more connected to others who want to bring local-food lunch of the Mountain Association Continued from Page 1 trying to make a change, but that this was a a lot of time, listened to public comment, homegrown prosperity to our communities. of Community Economic large and well organized and cohesive group. Register onlne at and respected the democratic process. They Space is limited, so register online today at Development (MACED) CCRC’s work started with a moveon.org The written campaign plan served as the road www.northernplains.org/homegrown have done serious research and made a plan www.northernplains.org/homegrown petition, a rally, and protesting a well at the map for the membership. n Miya Yoshitani – Executive Director, to suit our county and our residents. We are Board of Oil and Gas, but CCRC members Asian Pacific Environmental There were many individual and collective thankful that the Commissioners recognized Shared prosperity be supplemented with a diverse, resilient, and quickly realized they were up against a Network (APEN) roles to play. Many members helped with that and we are proud to have been a part of We want to work toward more resilient and homegrown Montana economy. powerful industry with lots of friends on extensive campaign research, talking to it, too.” diverse economies of shared prosperity in n the state board and in the legislature. Their Lisa Harmon – Executive Director, neighbors, and keeping up the drum beat Montana. Good for planet, too Downtown Billings Alliance strategy turned local, based on an assessment The new protections give landowners the on social media: Do it right. Don’t make A truly vibrant economy is one that works of what was winnable. right to receive baseline water testing, 750 A truly prosperous economy is one that our communities pay the costs that so many for both people and the planet — one will bring together innovative leaders from feet minimum distances (or “setbacks”) of protects our precious land and water, gives CCRC worked closely with others across the country are paying for built on a foundation of diverse industries, across Montana, as well as advocates and oil and gas development from their homes, local people control of their economic two other Northern Plains irresponsible development. networks of independent Montana practitioners from other regions of the and dust control on roads. They also require future, and celebrates the diverse cultures of affiliates to accomplish businesses, and value-added regional supply country who have worked to diversify their The value of local voices a site plan from the development company. the Northern Plains. their goals – displaying chains. In this economy, rural people and local economies. I really saw how vital it is Landowners may opt-out of water testing on another asset of being Ending boom and bust young folks can find meaningful work in the for citizens to be involved We can’t underplay the value of having local their property, as well as setbacks from their The Homegrown Prosperity Conference will in the Northern Plains place they call home. Main Street businesses in their local government. spokespeople. Had Northern Plains’ staff homes. Almost all Montanans are familiar with be an interactive workshop based on story- family. Stillwater Protective thrive, money recirculates to local people, and Local boards normally don’t people been the face of this campaign before the booms and busts of national and telling, discussion, and networking. Join us Association worked together The County Development Regulations had our jobs and prosperity stay rooted in place. get feedback” on what the the media or the decision makers, a different international commodity markets. Cities to learn, engage, and become part of the people want, so we have to with CCRC to research legal result would have been likely – you just not been updated since 1989 and follow the and towns across Montana have felt the We can achieve this vision, together, by movement for Homegrown Prosperity! show up and tell them. We questions and explore local can’t beat the credibility of local advocates County-wide Growth Policy that was passed painful swings in copper, timber, oil, coal, adding more voices to the conversation about were determined, organized, zoning options. Yellowstone showing up and speaking up. in 2015. wheat, cattle, and lots of other Montana For more information call 406-248-1154. the Montana economy. and knew what we wanted Valley Citizen’s Council industries. While all of these industries bring helped with fundraising and And so, this July, after a few dead-ends An example for other counties for our future. And we were economic activity to our state, they need to The Homegrown Prosperity Conference – Alicia Pettys mobilizing Billings’ citizens and dogging two years of public meetings, successful. These new regulations are needed, and maybe who consider the Red Lodge the Carbon County Resource Council – Susann Beug precedent changing for counties in Montana. area to be their cherished successfully inserted oil and gas permitting But what’s more, is that Carbon County weekend community. requirements into the Carbon County July’s Local Food Challenge builds demand Resource Council has built their organization, Development Regulations! This means that bringing in new members from around the Common sense approach each time an oil or gas well is going to be he first Montana Local Food come,” said Jean Dahlman of Forsyth, chair county. They have built a reputation, and drilled in Carbon County, the companies Challenge came to a close on July of the Northern Plains Ag Task Force. A key component to CCRC’s victory was that power in the county that won’t go away must seek approval from the County in 31st, ending the month-long effort to they scaled their objective to something that before the next oil boom. And, they have T Participants were most concerned increase local food demand and consumption addition to the state Board of Oil and Gas. about knowing where to find was achievable. There were many calls to ban changed the conversation from one about in Montana. fracking on the Beartooth Front. Though “We are thrilled about what the being for or against development, to one local foods while they were many CCRC members would have loved Commissioners have done for the future of about how air, water, and landowners are Northern Plains partnered with 25 Montana- travelling, so the Local Food to see a ban like that, the odds and legality Carbon County,” said Susann Beug, Chair of being protected in Carbon County. run businesses that sell Montana foods and Challenge incorporated of achieving a total ban on fracking were Carbon County Resource Council (CCRC). helped to boost the Local Foods Challenge a map of restaurants and “I really saw how vital it is for citizens to be nil to none. Taking a more common-sense “This addition to the regulations is just across the state. Nearly 100 individuals marketplaces that serve involved in their local government. Local approach ensured protections while also not asking oil and gas developers to follow the and families signed up for the inaugural local food on the website. boards normally don’t get feedback on what alienating key decision makers. same procedures that wind developers, cell Challenge, investing more than an estimated Participant surveys will the people want, so we have to show up and companies, and things like shooting ranges $10,000 in local food across the state. provide feedback on the next Another key component to CCRC’s success tell them. We were determined, organized, steps to building the local food and feedlots must follow to be permitted in “We’ve met our goal for participants this was that the work was spread out amongst and knew what we wanted for our future. network, and help prepare for an even more the county.” year, so we’re happy about that. Now we the members. Everyone remained dedicated And we were successful,” said Beug. successful challenge next year. to communication with each other and The regulations first went through the look forward to growing participation and adherence to democratically made decisions Planning Board before being approved by the – Maggie Zaback Local foods at the Glendive Farmers Market. growing local food demand for years to – Maggie Zaback

The Plains Truth Summer 2016 Page 4 The Plains Truth Summer 2016 Page 5 LAND AND WATER GAINING GROUND Glendive residents still waiting U.S. Army Corps honors treaty rights on rule-making for radioactive waste of Lummi, rejects proposed coal port

arly in 2016, Northern Plains he U.S. Army Corps of Engineers largest ships in the world through Lummi Billings, Livingston, Helena, and Missoula submitted recommendations for ruled in May that the proposed fishing waters, impacting tribal members’ (and the related increases in air pollution, risk Eradioactive oil waste disposal Gateway Pacific coal export terminal cultural practices and ability to fish. of derailments, and delays for emergency rulemaking to the Solid Waste Division of T violated the Lummi Nation’s tribal treaty vehicles at rail crossings). “Because of this decision, the water we rely Because of Really, by the Montana Department of Environmental rights and denied the project’s permit on to feed our families, for our ceremonies, Northern Plains worked tirelessly to oppose this decision, submitting Quality (DEQ). For years, members who application. The port would have shipped and for commercial purposes remains the port, holding house parties and hearings the water we such thorough live near the Oaks Disposal Services facility 48 million tons of additional coal per year protected,” said Lummi Chairman Tim across Montana, submitting detailed technical rely on to feed recommen- in Glendive have been asking the DEQ through rail communities on their way from Ballew. The coal port also threatened a comments on the proposal, and taking a our families, dations we to develop rules to govern the disposal of Wyoming and Montana mines to Asian coal ” ” for our Lummi ancestral burial ground. busload of Montanans to Spokane to testify handed radioactive oilfield waste. Currently, disposal markets via a new facility proposed at Cherry of this waste is determined by only a loose on the project. ceremonies, the DEQ a Point, near Bellingham, Washington. In addition to threatening the Lummi guidance document. and for shortcut homeland, the port would have led to The totem pole currently on display outside toward getting The Corps’ ruling cited the damage the commercial In recommendations to the DEQ, Northern additional mining (tearing up aquifers and Northern Plains’ office in Billings was crafted rules put proposed project would cause to the tribe’s purposes Plains advised the Department require ranchland) and up to 19 additional coal by Lummi carvers. together. historic and treaty fishing rights, as the project remains a robust level of public involvement in trains per day through rail communities like would have regularly brought some of the – Svein Newman protected. – Seth Newton, permitting, transparency, public access to Glendive-area The Oaks Disposal Services landfill near Glendive is shown in this Google Earth photo. – Tim Ballew, rancher records of materials disposed of at the Lummi Chairman facility, facility inspections, and public reclamation of the site were included, such getting rules put together.” He points out test results. Additional recommendations as developing a mitigation plan, meaningful that all they have to do is issue something Members travel nationwide to tell included requiring credentials for prospective enforcement of violations, and strong looking a lot like what we put together! operators, protective siting and construction remediation and bonding requirements. Northern Plains members who live near requirements—especially regarding water Northern Plains member Seth Newton, who the Oaks Facility in Glendive, as well as the BLM to reform federal coal leasing resources, tracking and restrictions of the lives and ranches near the Oaks facility near proposed facility in Culbertson, had a meeting wastes being disposed, third party monitoring, orthern Plains members traveled one bidder appears. These practices have Glendive, had a hand in crafting Northern with DEQ Director Tom Livers on July 26 to baseline water testing for nearby residents, around the country this spring and subsidized the coal industry by $30 billion Plains’ recommendations. “Really, by discuss these recommendations and request and safe transportation of wastes to facilities. summer to testify in support of Interior closes in lost government revenue over the last submitting such thorough recommendations more urgent attention by the Department. Finally, recommendations prioritizing eventual N reform to the federal coal program. 30 years. The government typically charges we handed the DEQ a shortcut toward – Hannah Hostetter royalty loophole coal companies about $1 per ton of Powder The Department of the Interior’s Bureau n June 30, the federal government River Basin coal. But the carbon emissions of Land Management (BLM) held six public finally closed a loophole coal of that same ton of coal wind up costing the in Rosebud County will close before July 1, meetings across the country to gather input O Arch divests from companies were using to cheat the public government about $150 in climate change- 2022. on the scope of an all-encompassing review COAL BRIEFS out of royalties owed on mined coal related damage. Longview coal port of the federal coal leasing program’s costs owned by the federal government. Circuit Court of Appeals because the Bureau Colstrip Units 1 and 2 are the oldest parts and benefits to the American public. These and other problems were highlighted hile Northern Plains members were of the complex of power plants at Colstrip The method of Land Management failed to take a hard When companies by Northern Plains and allies for years, testifying at the Spokane hearing on and can produce up to 700 megawatts of The meetings were held in Casper, Wyo.; Salt of leasing W look at the impacts coal mining is having on mine coal owned by resulting in Secretary of the Interior Sally the proposed Longview coal port on May electricity – roughly one third of Colstrip’s Lake City, Utah; Knoxville, Tenn.; Seattle, coal is flawed. ranching and water quality in the Bulls. the American public, Jewell’s January decision to carry out a 26, Arch Coal was busy getting out of the generating capacity. Wash.; Grand Junction, Colo. and Pittsburgh, There are they have to pay a programmatic environmental impact project. Subsidence above mined-out coal seams Pa. in May and June. Two thirds of those almost no percentage royalty to statement (PEIS) that reviews the program ” damages springs and poses a human and Puget Sound Energy and Talen Energy who spoke at the public meetings – including competitive Up until that day, Arch had been a co-owner the public for each top-to-bottom and, in the end, implements livestock safety issue by causing cracks in the – the two equal owners of Units 1 and leaders of Northern Plains – spoke in favor bids and of the proposed port along with Resource ton of coal sold. necessary changes to the way coal is ground. These cracks can be narrow or can 2 – announced the closure deadline after of reforms to the federal coal program. often the Capital Funds, a Cayman Islands hedge settling a Clean Air Act lawsuit with Montana Sally Jewell managed. be up to 15 feet wide. Previously, companies leases are fund (through their subsidiary Lighthouse Environmental Information Center and “For the past 40 years, I have had a ringside sold coal to themselves at depressed “It is important that the PEIS is conducted given for Resources, which also owns the Decker The BLM also relied on stale data and the Sierra Club. The two environmental seat to personally witness the broken federal prices to calculate low royalties, and so that the taxpayers are not shortchanged,” pennies on Mine). Arch received no financial payment projections instead of on-the-ground groups dismissed “all of the Clean Air Act program,” said Steve Charter, who spoke then re-sold the coal at market price to Tongue River rancher Mark Fix testified the dollar. for its 38% share in the project, but was impacts, and failed to examine the impacts allegations against the Colstrip Generating on behalf of Northern Plains in Salt Lake unaffiliated buyers. The final royalty rule in Seattle. “The method of leasing coal is – Mark Fix, absolved of all potential future liability for of mining more than one seam of coal, Station” in exchange for retirement of Units City, Utah. “It has allowed coal companies to disallows this practice. flawed. There are almost no competitive bids Tongue River the project – more evidence that it is poor even though the company has expressed an 1 and 2 “by no later than July 1, 2022,” take advantage of loopholes and giveaways and often the leases are given for pennies on rancher economic planning to bet on coal. interest in mining more seams and the BLM according to a press release from Washington and avoid accountability at the expense of In the words of Interior Secretary Sally the dollar.” leased 13 of them while only charging for utility Puget Sound Energy. taxpayers, land, air and wildlife.” – Svein Newman Jewell, the updated rule ensures that one. taxpayers receive “every dollar due” from BLM will produce a report by 2016 that Closure of the two power plants is not a Publicly owned coal makes up 41% of the federal coal. defines the scope of the review. The entire – Svein Newman Northern Plains appeals surprise. Units 1 and 2 were built for an coal burned in the U.S. and 85% of the coal environmental impact statement process anticipated 30-year lifespan in 1975 and 1976, mined in the West. Coal mined from public – Colin Lauderdale is expected to last three years, and we will Bull Mountain suit and have been facing increasing pressure land is the single largest source of climate be asking you to be involved at every key Colstrip Units 1 & 2 from low-cost natural gas and increased change-causing greenhouse gas emissions in companies whenever they ask for it, by n May, Northern Plains appealed a lower juncture. Stay tuned on this very important mining costs at the Rosebud Mine, which the country. depressing the price at which coal is leased, court ruling on a federal coal lease in the to close by 2022 issue! I supplies the plant. by allowing companies to decrease their Bull Mountains. wo of the four coal-fired power plants Yet BLM has been giving this coal away for royalty payments by more than half, and by pennies on the dollar by leasing it to coal Northern Plains filed suit in the Ninth Tat the Colstrip Steam Electric Station – Colin Lauderdale holding public coal “auctions” at which only – Colin Lauderdale

The Plains Truth Summer 2016 Page 6 The Plains Truth Summer 2016 Page 7 GAINING GROUND GAINING GROUND

From this ... NORTHERN PLAINS COMMENTS IN SPOKANE

My ex-husband and little girls live across the tracks with no underpasses. If there is ever Members of Northern Plains and the Western an emergency, the response Organization of Resource Councils have a vision of clean, renewable energy powering offices and vehicles will” just have to wait, homes. That's why we refurbished a vacant grocery and my girls will suffer the store in Billings into a beautiful LEED (Leadership consequences. in Energy and Environmental Design) Platinum It wasn’t too long ago that coal companies were pushing to build six coal export terminals, as well as the Otter Creek mine and building, the first in Montana. ... to this Tongue River Railroad. After consistent pressure and a willingness to drive far and wide, Northern Plains members and our – Cori Hart of Billings allies (not to mention the bottom dropping out of the world coal market) were able to kill those proposals. Now there is only one coal export facility still in play – the Millennium Bulk Terminals in Longview, Washington – and we’re fighting it. Celebrating 10 years The draft EIS pays scant Northern Plains members attention to Montana towns. in Home on the Range Sixteen more trains a day mobilize against coal exports would double our existing traffic. ” Montanans testify in spoke of the impact of coal to – Harold Hoem of Missoula her homeland and people, and Longview, Spokane expressed her appreciation for Native opposition to coal export projects in n 2010, Northern Plains’ Coal the Pacific Northwest. Northern Plains member and solar-power advocate Tim Task Force voted to oppose six At times, half my city will be Crawford was a major donor for the new solar array. A cut off from fire trucks and sign on a support beam is dedicated to him. proposed coal export facilities The Task Force also organized a road I ambulances. on the West Coast. Not only would trip to the MBT hearing in Spokane these ports dramatically increase on May 26. Twenty-one people rode – Ken Decker of Livingston orthern Plains the number of coal trains rumbling to Spokane in vans, seven more drove celebrated 10 years ” through Montana’s rail towns, but separately, and almost everyone was in our Home on the N they would also create new markets able to testify. Montanans from eight Range in Billings on June 25. for coal export, driving new coal towns – Miles City, Billings, Livingston, We marked the occasion with a mining in Montana. Northern Plains Bozeman, Helena, Missoula, Superior, Any honest and complete has been fighting hard ever since to evaluation of the project must ribbon-cutting for our new solar Photo by Jasmine Zimmer-Stucky/Columbia Waterkeeper and Polson – were there to speak out array, which stands along our prevent these export facilities from In Montana, we consider the word against this bad idea. In total, more account for the social cost of parking lot, and which should being developed. “‘neighbor’ a verb. It’s an active than 80 people testified in opposition carbon. When that is done, make us essentially independent word. ... The bottom line is we’re your to the terminals, while just over 50 this project will be seen to With the denial of a permit for the ” neighbors and you’re our neighbors. be socially, economically, in our electrical supply. What happens where we live (in people testified in favor. Gateway Pacific Terminal in May, and environmentally only the proposed Millennium Bulk Montana) affects you and vice versa. More than 80 people joined the Coal companies ... are not good Two Montana legislators – Duane unacceptable.” celebration, which included a Terminals (MBT) in Longview, Ankney and Jim Keane – along neighbors.” – Lee Metzgar of Missoula It was a dream Washington, remains. brief ceremony to honor the — Brad Sauer of eastern Montana with an official from the Attorney of the late Anne contributions of member Tim at a rally after the Longview General’s office, testified in favor of Charter, one of The Washington Department Crawford of Belgrade. Tim has Celebrants dedicate the new 24-kilowatt solar array over the parking lot on June 25. coal export hearing on May 24 the port, but the consensus of the the founding of Ecology released the draft given generously to advance room was clear: Montanans don’t members of Environmental Impact Statement Northern Plains, the use of solar power at knew we needed to be there in person want to bear the burdens of coal (EIS) for the project on April 29, and The EIS should include that we would Northern Plains and elsewhere to tell decision-makers that people in exports just to line the pockets of "walk the walk" the comment period closed on June 13. impacts to Montana or the in Montana. coal country don’t want this project. out-of-state corporations. Northern and build our ‘no action’ alternative. own pioneering Our Coal and Tongue River Railroad Two Northern Plains leaders flew Plains also generated almost 1,000 Our guests enjoyed snacks, and – Roxa Reller of Helena energy efficient Task Force organized an event tour to Longview to speak against the additional comments against MBT. many took tours of Montana’s office building. of four Montana cities, helped local proposal on May 24 at the draft EIS ” very first LEED (Leadership The fight to prevent new coal export municipalities to submit comments, public comment hearing held by the She was honored in Energy and Environmental infrastructure is far from over, but at a party at and conducted a grassroots comment Washington Department of Ecology Design) Platinum building. our momentum is strong. Northern Home on the drive. The Task Force brought in Les and Cowlitz County. Range in 2008. Plains members continue to speak An increase in coal trains will With the new 24-kilowatt solar Anderson, an activist from Longview Brad Sauer, Past Chair of affiliate out against special interest that have severely impair emergency array over the parking lot and who has been fighting this proposal Rosebud Protective Association, taken advantage of our state for response times. Please the original 10-kilowatt array on In 2005, members Eileen Morris, Ron Fenex and from the beginning, to speak at our spoke of how coal mining affects generations, and their efforts continue consider the legacy we are the roof, Home on the Range is other volunteers remove nails and scrape boards event tour. Northern Plains also agriculture, and the injustice to to make a big difference. leaving and recommend ‘no from the old meat freezer so they could be stained Volunteers Mary Fitzpatrick and Frank Kuehn get submitted technical comments. ” now 100% solar powered. and used as edging around doors, windows, and as dirty with old doors, scraping off layer upon layer of agriculture for the sake of sending action.’” paint so they could be reused in Home on the Range. – Steve Paulson baseboards in the new building. Beyond submitting comments, we coal to Asia. Alaina Buffalo Spirit – Ella Smith – Becky Ward of Bozeman

The Plains Truth Summer 2016 Page 8 The Plains Truth Summer 2016 Page 9 GAINING GROUND GAINING GROUND Governor’s energy blueprint Legislators, utilities, clean energy advocates reach agreements on net metering policy outlines path to clean energy he Energy and Telecommunications or costs to other utility customers. This respected. State net metering policy should Interim Committee (ETIC) is argument mirrors the major dispute going not extend to rural electric cooperatives. overnor Steve Bullock released his Blueprint for Montana’s wrapping up its study of net on nationwide, as clean energy advocates T n Montana’s state tax incentives and Energy Future on in June in Helena. The 26-page blueprint metering, which is the policy that enables maintain that distributed solar and wind financing programs for renewable energy, highlights a number of clean energy opportunities, individuals and businesses to install small- energy provide benefits to the grid, while including the DEQ Revolving Loan Program, G scale solar or wind energy generation on their utilities attempt to make up for lost electricity including: are appropriate and should be left intact. own property while receiving fair credit for sales by levying extra fixed charges or n Net metering of distributed renewable energy; any energy they send back to the grid. reducing the rate of compensation for n Energy efficiency; customer-generated electricity. n Utility scale wind and solar; ETIC met on July 14-15 in Helena to decide NET METERING n Developing additional transmission capacity; what legislation to begin drafting for further ETIC legislators were unable to n Marketing Montana’s energy resources; consideration and final vote in September. determine the answer to this question; n Investment in clean coal technology; Any legislation “approved” by the committee direct negotiations between MREA and n Developing more small hydro projects. will still proceed through the regular NorthWestern Energy were also unable to legislative process, but has a better chance reach agreement. Of particular interest to Northern Plains of passing because it has broad, bipartisan READ THE BLUEPRINT Thus, ETIC is proposing a “trigger” for members is the Governor’s support for support. energy efficiency as well as net metering a future rate study by the Public Service The full Blueprint for Montana’s — the policy that enables individuals and Three committee bills were proposed to Commission when net metering reaches 1% Energy Future can be found at businesses to install small-scale solar or address the following issues: saturation of NorthWestern Energy’s total http://governor.mt.gov/Newsroom/ wind energy on their own property while electricity sales, from its current level of n Safety and interconnection to the ArtMID/28487/ArticleID/4325 receiving fair credit for any energy they .02% of total sales. We might expect to reach grid – During the 2015 legislative session, send to the grid. 1% saturation by 2020. the International Brotherhood of Electrical Property-Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) Workers (IBEW) opposed net metering This is a win for clean energy advocates who private capital providers; customers repay through an assessment expansion because of safety concerns about argued that net metering is not significant We were pleased to see the Governor publicly support Property- on the property for a term of up to 20 years, with utility savings electricity backfeeding into the grid and enough at this time to provide adequate data— Assessed Clean Energy (PACE), which will be one of Northern guaranteed to be greater than annual payments. harming linemen. An agreement was reached and that a Public Service Commission study Plains’ legislative priorities in 2017. PACE would help all Montanans At the end of July, the draft bills will by Northern Plains, IBEW, and the Montana would cost more than it’s worth at this time. finance the up-front cost of energy efficiency by using private sector Improved energy efficiency be posted for a 30-day public comment Renewable Energy Association (MREA) to money, while saving people money on utility bills and creating local n – The final period. At their final meeting in September, Governor Bullock offered other energy efficiency solutions. In address these issues by requiring the Public Increasing net metering cap jobs. bill that was approved for drafting would legislators serving on ETIC will make a order to meet the goal of reducing the state’s overall electricity use Service Commission to more regularly increase the net metering cap for public final decision on which committee bills to PACE enables 100% up-front financing for energy and water by 2025, he intends to propose a $5 million revolving fund in the update Montana’s standards for connecting buildings and non-profits from 50 kilowatts introduce in the 2017 session. conservation upgrades and renewable energy retrofits to residential 2017 legislative session for energy conservation projects at schools renewable energy systems to the grid. (kW) to 250 kW. This was introduced by Rep. and commercial buildings. Financing is provided by banks and other Moreover, homeowners would no longer be Northern Plains members are encouraged to Continued on Page 11 Chris Pope (D-Bozeman). able to take out their own electrical permits comment – look for our action alert in early when installing grid-tied renewable energy on Two other conclusions from the study of net August! their property. metering which do not necessitate legislation Please make your voice heard: this committee include statements that: International trade deal going nowhere n Settle the question of costs and legislation will play a big role in our legislative benefits of net metering – The 2015 n efforts to make clean energy more accessible shined considerable light onto the TPP. producers will face heavier competition in Rural electric cooperatives have the Election year stymies legislative debate on net metering centered to more Montanans. Frontrunners Trump and Clinton (under foreign markets. legal authority to set their own policies at on the question of whether distributed Trans-Pacific Partnership pressure from Bernie Sanders) have come out the board level, based on input from the At the same time, it would become illegal to renewable energy provides net benefits against the pact, unnerving some members membership. This autonomy should be – Alicia Pettys his presidential election has brought mark agricultural products as “raised in the of Congress who are running for re-election the same arguments and strong U.S.” or “made in Montana.” and leaving them to face voters after a TPP opposition to the proposed Trans- and the U.S. Department of Energy to facilitate solar development in T vote. Our own congressional delegation remains Pacific Partnership (TPP) “trade” deal. It’s a Blueprint Indian Country. split on the TPP. pact with 11 Pacific Rim nations that would While the Republican majority in Congress Continued from Page 10 We stand ready to support these and other initiatives that make reach beyond trade favors the TPP, both parties are concerned Congress voted last year to approve “fast renewable energy and energy efficiency more accessible to all WHERE THEY STAND issues to broadly over the political fallout of voting on the and local governments, and is committed to clearing the backlog of track” authority for the president, which Montanans. Please join us in thanking the Governor for his leadership expand corporate TPP. As a result, a vote will most assuredly weatherization projects for low-income people. Senator Tester, 202-224-2644: limits congressional input by restricting the on clean energy. rights over domestic Fast Track – NO; TPP – Anticipated NO not come until Congress’ lame duck session ability of Congress to modify the agreement Solar under the Big Sky laws in each after Election Day. Senator Daines, 202-224-2651: and only allowing a yes-no vote on the final However, one disappointment from the plan is the Governor’s Fast Track – YES; TPP – Anticipated YES country. version. In terms of solar energy, the overall goal is to double the current solar plea for greater investment in so-called “clean coal” technology, Not only would the TPP give foreign energy production by 2025. This will be achieved by maintaining a including carbon capture for enhanced oil recovery. It is poor Representative Zinke, 202 225-3211: It was negotiated in corporations new supremacy over U.S. laws, We encourage you to ask those who strong net metering policy, working with the private sector to finance financial stewardship to invest millions of dollars in propping up Fast Track – YES; TPP – Unknown extreme secrecy. it would give millions of foreign farmers represent you in Congress to vote “no” on smaller projects, and directing state agencies to map out their land an uncompetitive fuel, when cleaner, cheaper, and faster renewable and companies equal access to American President Barack Obama is pushing hard the Trans-Pacific Partnership. ownerships to identify specific candidate properties within their energy technology is already proven and market-ready. consumers that local businesses already to get a “yea” vote from Congress, but ownerships for possible solar development by private industry. compete heavily for. Cattle producers will the current presidential campaign has face even more imported beef, while grain – Maggie Zaback Finally, the Governor promised to work with tribes, utilities, co-ops, – Alicia Pettys

The Plains Truth Winter 2016 Page 10 The Plains Truth Winter 2016 Page 11 GAINING GROUND GAINING GROUND

Northern Plains files lawsuit against NORTHERN PLAINS They’ve squared off against some of AT WORK What sets NPRC (Northern Plains) the world’s largest multinationals, apart from many groups is their BLM Resource Management Plans this interesting amalgam of young complete dedication to working with environmental activists, farmers, community people… The process of ranchers and citizens concerned about citizen involvement, at least in the n March, Northern Plains and a when writing them, failed to even consider a “It’s a bad move to put so many resources mineral and other developments in the context of small town Montana life, handful of allied organizations filed scenario in which any coal was not available and lands at risk for financially shaky ” This thriving citizens organization ” Northern Great Plains. has been raised to an art form by this exemplifies the ideal of public suit against the federal Bureau of Land for lease. companies who may not be around long organization. I – John A. Alwin, 1982, Eastern Montana: involvement in public processes. Management’s Resource Management Plans enough to reclaim the land and water they’d These two RMPs anticipate 11 billion tons A Portrait of the Land and its People – Western Network, Citizen Involvement: Energy for southeastern Montana and northern impact through development,” said Northern – Billings Gazette editorial, Nov. 16, 2001 more coal will be mined and 18,000 new oil Learning From Experience, 1994 markets are Wyoming. Together, the two plans keep more Plains chair Kate French. “Energy markets and gas wells will be drilled in the region. ” changing than 10 million acres of public land open are changing fast, and instead of going all-in More than 81 billion tons of coal are fast, and for oil and gas companies to drill, and would on the fuels of the past, the BLM should be available for mining under the plans. instead” of open up 81 billion tons of taxpayer-owned looking at renewable energy.” going all-in on coal for lease. The BLM released these plans despite a Northern Plains: Making Northern Plains is a partner in the suit along the fuels of temporary moratorium on new federal coal Resource Management Plans (RMPs) are with the Western Organization of Resource the past, the leases. The moratorium was brought on by the vehicles through which the BLM makes Councils, the Montana Environmental BLM should concerns that the federal coal leasing system regional planning decisions, answering Information Center, the Natural Resources history and saving it be looking at functions as a hidden taxpayer subsidy for questions like: “What should and shouldn’t Defense Council, the Sierra Club, and the renewable the coal industry, to the tune of hundreds be mined or drilled?” “Where should grazing Powder River Basin Resource Council. The energy. of millions of dollars in taxpayer losses. The his summer, Northern Plains be allowed?” and “What areas are important groups are represented by the Western RMPs also seem to contradict the Obama is embarking on a new project CAN YOU HELP? – Kate French, to keep available for recreation?” Despite the Environmental Law Center. Northern Plains Administration’s stated goal to combat to save and tell our history as dramatic consequences of these plans, BLM, Chair T Would you like to help tell our an organization. climate change. – Svein Newman history?

The Northern Plains History Project n Do you have any photos that we Forest Plan kicked off this summer with a should have? If so, would you be willing to let us scan them? under review planning meeting of several interested Come join us and knowledgeable members. This n Do you have stories of you or Tongue River Valley he U.S. Forest Service committee set goals and identified the your family’s efforts in Northern Plains? is revising the Custer work products we’ll complete by the T end of 2018. to celebrate... Gallatin National Forest n Do you have any documents protected at last Plan. that we should have? Maybe ... the permanent end Saving our history will include an you have a copy of important of the Tongue River The Forest Plan outlines anthology of stories, testimony, testimony or correspondence Railroad, and the the future of the forest essays, and photos. We hope to have on some critical issue… do you permanent protection a photo display in the hallway at have a copy of that testimony of the Tongue River Celebrate by determining the type Chow down & Home on the Range. We will collect or correspondence you would Valley. of land use encouraged share? oral histories and, depending on our After 38 years and in each area of the forest, Photo by Terrence Moore If you can help with any of this, countless hours of work, raise a glass such as whether an area fundraising success, produce a video. Southeast Montana ranchers found in the 1970s that the federal government THE VICTORY please contact Steve Paulson at recommended their land be turned into a national sacrifice area. Dozens of coal Northern Plains and is managed for public Collecting and preserving 44 years the Billings office. Email mines and coal-fired power plants would be built and ranchers would lose their its allies have finally recreation, mining, timber, of history is no small job. We [email protected] or call livelihoods. Some let their feelings be known on a cowhide. Also, they organized, prevailed in protecting or wilderness, or other 406-248-1154. held meetings, plotted strategy, and forced the federal government to back down. ranchers’ property have massive accumulations of uses. news clippings, photos, and other rights and preventing september viability of family farms and ranches, affect their lives. the industrialization of This multi-year planning documents. This material will help the rights of property owners facing the Tongue River Valley. 5:00 pm tell the story of Montanans coming We have a lot of history to save, and process is our opportunity destructive energy projects, and – On September 24, to advocate for the public together to protect things we value: through it all – the rights of citizens it will take a lot of work to do it! we’ll gather along the land provided by the the quality of our air and water, the to play a real role in the decisions that Tongue River and raise – Steve Paulson a glass to an intact and 12-mile Dam Custer Gallatin National Forest that we depend on productive valley. 24 AT LEFT: Nick 2016 miles city for recreation, cultural Golder hauls hay DIRECTIONS: Drive 12 use, agriculture, and local at his ranch north miles south of Miles economies. of Lame Deer. City on Highway 59, AT RIGHT: The then 1 mile south on Currently, the Forest late rancher Mary the Tongue River Road, Service is assessing Donohoe at her Highway 332. Twelve- the present plan and kitchen table. The Mary Donohoe Mile Dam Fishing Access preparing findings for the will be on your right. “Tell It Like It Is” public. Meetings on their Award is given assessment will be held For questions contact each year to a member who isn’t Colin at colin@ later this summer. afraid to speak northernplains.org or up for Northern 406-248-1154. Plains issues. – Cameron Clevidence Photos by John Gayusky

The Plains Truth Summer 2016 Page 12 The Plains Truth Summer 2016 Page 13 COUNCIL ROUNDUP COUNCIL ROUNDUP Yellowstone Valley CMRC pushes for A FEW Annual Meeting moves to historic Northern Hotel ANNUAL hosts food films community solar ark your calendar for November n MEETING Defending Beef: The Case for Sustainable Meat 18-19, and make plans to attend Production (2014) ellowstone Valley Citizens entral Montana Resource DETAILS the 45th Northern Plains Annual Council members continue Council continues its campaign n Righteous Porkchop: Finding a Life and Good Y C M to provide Fergus Rural Electric Meeting! to work toward a stronger local n Make Food Beyond Factory Farms (2009). sure your food system and more sustainable Co-op members access to renewable We’ll be convening at a new location this membership She has also written numerous essays for the community. energy sources. year, the newly dues are current New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Los so you can vote renovated YVCC hosted a Food Film Festival CMRC is working to bring about Angeles Times, The Atlantic, and The San Francisco at the Annual Northern Hotel at Art House Cinema in Billings on a community solar installation that Meeting for Chronicle. Previously, she was Senior Attorney in downtown Tuesday nights in July to promote will enable residents to purchase a officers and for for the Waterkeeper Alliance, where she Billings. portion of a large, shared solar array important policy worked full-time on issues related to livestock local food and our ongoing campaign resolutions. for a Yellowstone Valley Food Hub. located off their property. Panel Our keynote and poultry production, and, before that, was The three films shown wereDirt!, owners would receive credits on their n a lawyer for National Wildlife Federation. Sept. 15 is speaker is electricity bill for the energy their the deadline Food Frontiers with a short feature on Nicolette Hahn Cottonwood Resource Council member Paul Hawks, who also serves on solar panels generate. for resolutions. Hahn Niman is an articulate defender of local farmers, and Food Chains. A local the Good Neighbor Agreement Task Force, explains planned expansion of Niman, a writer, The historic, remodeled Northern Hotel If you want sustainable cattle ranching. Her husband, Bill cook served dishes featuring local tailings and waste rock at Stillwater Mining Company's East Boulder Mine. attorney, and reopened in downtown Billings in 2013. In early June, CMRC members to propose a Niman, founded the natural meat companies food each Tuesday. On July 19, YVCC resolution, mail rancher in Bolinas, presented the benefits of community Niman Ranch and BN Ranch. we’re addressing, along with the best silent hosted a pop-up farmers market for Cottonwood studies mine expansion it to the office or California. She solar before the Fergus Rural Electric email it to info@ auction in Montana and a lot of good people. local producers. Turnout was even n July, Cottonwood Resource Council hosted a Good Neighbor has authored two In addition to the keynote, we will have Co-op board. The co-op will conduct northernplains. Nicolette Hahn Niman will Please plan to attend! better than expected! Agreement social. Residents along the East Boulder and Boulder rivers books: thoughtful presentations on important issues I a customer survey to determine the org be the keynote speaker. – Steve Paulson were updated on the upcoming expansion of tailings and waste rock YVCC members submitted comments interest in community solar. n facilities at the East Boulder Mine. CRC, through the Good Neighbor Most of on the Billings Growth Plan, which our food will Agreement, is working to minimize the environmental and social impacts CMRC will again have a booth at were largely accepted and added to once again of this expansion. the Lewistown Chokecherry Festival the plan. They attended Planning be Montana- Film festival returns to Billings, Gardiner, Helena on September 10. CMRC members sourced. Board and City Council meetings to orthern Plains is once again bringing the Wild & Scenic Billings Later in July, CRC members held their summer picnic with cowboy will be educating the public about speak in support of the Growth Plan, n Nominations Film Festival to Billings, Gardiner, and Helena. Friday, Sept. 9 poetry and music at the Rhythms by the River event! their work in the community, and N Babcock Theatre for the Bob Tully which is in the final approval process. Doors open at 6, films start at 7 sell tickets for their annual gun raffle Spirit Award These short films are wondrous and informative snapshots – Hannah Hostetter $8 advance, $10 at door, Finally, our second annual Summer fundraiser. and the Mary of the natural beauty that surrounds us. This event is family under 12 free Donohoe “Tell It Solstice Celebration at the friendly, so bring your kids, friends, and neighbors. – Adam Haight Like It Is” Award Gardiner Thursday, Sept. 15 Hannaman’s Blind Dog Ranch was a In May, Sleeping Giant hosted a are due Oct. 24. Bear Creek Council Purchase your tickets online at Gardiner High School great success. More than 80 people forum on the proposed Millennium Call the office www.northernplains.org/film-festival-tickets/ Doors open at 5:30 and films start at 6 enjoyed good food and live music ready for film festival Bulk Terminal in Longview, Beartooth Alliance (406-248-1154) $8 advance, $10 at door, under 12 free for information For more information, email [email protected] and explored the beautiful property. Washington. The forum was attended talks bear awareness Helena he Wild & Scenic Film Festival on the two or call 406-248-1154. This celebration is quickly becoming a by over 25 people, and many of them stay tuned for details! will return to Gardiner on ears continue to be seen around awards. YVCC tradition! T submitted written comment. Les Thursday, September 15. Join Bear BCooke City and Silver Gate right n Do you have Anderson, a citizen and activist in outside of Yellowstone National Park. – Alicia Pettys Creek Council to watch films of Longview, spoke at the forum along something to UPCOMING EVENTS SPA draws 100 to annual event in July donate to the beauty and activism from around the with Roxa Reller of Helena. The Cooke City and Silver Gate tillwater Protective Association continue to work on their petition Annual Meeting Yellowstone Bend world. Tickets are $10. communities are recognizing the need auction? If so, members held their annual event for an oil and gas-related Citizen Billings Wild & Scenic Film Festival, Sept. 9, S – Ella Smith to address bear disturbance and wide call Karen at 7 p.m., Babcock Theater in July. More than 100 people came Initiated Zoning District. However, holds coal forum Gardiner High School student Kyle 406-248-1154 bear education to seasonal tourists to the festivities to support the since the petition was submitted his May, Yellowstone Bend Webster received a $500 scholarship or email karen@ Homegrown Prosperity Conference, Sept. 10, 9 a.m. - Dawson affiliate and local businesses. organization. This year marked the last November, the County members hosted a forum to from Bear Creek Council for northernplains. 4:30 p.m., Billings Public Library Community Room T org 40-year anniversary of SPA’s original Commissioners and County Attorney inform the public about and collect her leadership and focus on the holds annual picnic Thus, the 2016 Beartooth Alliance environment and future studies on Gardiner Wild & Scenic Film Festival, Sept. 15, summer event. The High Country have taken no tangible steps forward comments on the Millennium Bulk awson Resource Council annual meeting was a forum for ecological systems. 6 p.m., Gardiner High School Cowboys headlined as musical guest in reviewing the more than 360 Terminal coal export facility proposed Dmembers gathered for an annual discussion about bear sightings in at the McDonald Basin Ranch. signatures collected from landowners for Longview, Wash. summer picnic at Dena and Alvin the area. They developed flyers with Second annual Helena Sun Run, Sept. 17, 9 a.m., – Maggie Zaback within the zone. Hoff ’s cabin on the Yellowstone in educational information about bears for Helena Members in Stillwater County The terminal would mean 16 additional – Cameron Clevidence June to share barbecue, pie, and hear local businesses and hotels to display. full-length coal trains through Sleeping Giant plans Celebrating Victory over the Tongue River Railroad, from a speaker on local foods. Livingston every day. Longview activist Beartooth Alliance members will be Sept. 24, 5 p.m., 12-Mile Park, Miles City GNA tackles groundwater, mine expansion second Sun Run embers monitoring the Good a hydrologist to evaluate the Les Anderson traveled from the West A few weeks later, it was back to attending a community meeting on leeping Giant Citizens Council is Central Montana Resource Council’s Dinner in the Neighbor Agreement have groundwater system near the Coast to give Washington’s perspective business as DRC members gathered August 6 at the Community Center M planning its second annual Sun Garden fundraiser, date and time TBD, Lewistown been working on multiple major Stillwater River and provide on the port, and Northern Plains Chair S for a strategy meeting on radioactive held by Montana Fish Wildlife & Kate French talked about impacts to Run in Helena on September 17. oil waste disposal. Topics were Parks and the U.S. Forest Service to Yellowstone Bend Citizens Council’s Solar Panel Party, projects this summer. The biggest suggestions to help us develop a Montana. discussed for an upcoming meeting discuss a solution to pooling water September, date and time TBD, Livingston-Park County areas of concern are related to the monitoring and response plan to This year, we will be partnering with expansion of facilities for storing prevent nitrogen from leaching into with DEQ Director Tom Livers. north of Cooke City. Public Library Thirty-five people attended the event the Montana Renewable Energy waste rock byproducts and for the groundwater. We are also looking at Elk River Books & Wheatgrass Association who will be hosting their -- Olivia Stockman – Maggie Zaback Northern Plains 45th Annual Meeting, Nov. 18-19, developing new programs to protect into methods to reduce the amount Saloon; proprietor Marc Beaudin Clean Energy Fair in tandem with the Northern Hotel, Billings our water. of waste produced and the pollution opened the event with his coal train- Sun Run. Sleeping Giant hopes to raise Enjoying this Plains Truth? Don’t toss it; share it with a friend and tell coming out of the mine. inspired poem, Railroad Doves. $15,000 this year toward a solar array them it’s one of the benefits of belonging to Northern Plains. You also This year, the Good Neighbor on another prominent Helena building, can find a full-color pdf version on the northernplains.org website. Agreement Task Force hired – Cameron Clevidence – Colin Lauderdale which will be announced soon. The Plains Truth Summer 2016 Page 14 The Plains Truth Summer 2016 Page 15 Non-Profit Org. US Postage PAID 220 S. 27th St., Suite A Permit # 984 Billings, MT 59101 Billings, MT 59101

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THE PLAINS TRUTH VOICE OF THE NORTHERN PLAINS RESOURCE COUNCIL Volume 44, Issue 4, Autumn 2015

Second Sun Run comes to Helena, benefits solar Helena Sun Run There’s still 9 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 17 The Helena Sun Run is a 5-kilometer run or 1-mile time to walk and bicycle parade, hosted by affiliate Sleeping Giant Citizens Council, to support clean energy and awareness of climate solutions in Montana's capital. All money raised WIN $500 will be used to purchase a solar photovoltaic array for a public or non-profit building in Helena. Recruit a new Northern Plains member before August 15 and your name will You can sign up or donate at https://runsignup. com/Race/MT/Helena/HelenaRunfortheSun be put in a drawing to win $500. This year the Sun Run is partnering with the Contact Caleb at [email protected], Montana Renewable Energy Association's call the o ce at (406) 248-1154 or visit 2016 Clean Energy Fair. The Fair will also be on September 17, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Pioneer www.northernplains.org/growing-our-membership Park, and will include free educational workshops, an electric car show, food vendors, and kids' activities. Participants can come for the run and stay to learn about clean, renewable energy! Details about the Clean Energy Fair are available at http:// montanarenewables.org/clean-energy-fair/

The Plains Truth Winter 2016 Page 16