ANNUAL MEETING WRAP-UPREPORTS Volume 44, Issue 1, Winter 2015 Inside: Volume 37, Issue  Winter 2007 n A word from our Montana public lands bust Chair...... PageRenewable 2 Energy and Conservation n People of the Plains – Ranch owners lose JeannieHighlight Brown...... 3 in federal-to-private Northern Plains’ Annual Meeting n Why I'm a Monthly Sustainer...... 3 coal lease swindle his year’s Annual Meeting celebrated Northern Plains’ 35-year history, n Speakerwhile fired looking up aheadover to new efforts to create a clean energy future for fracking...... 4 n early December, President Montana. Obama signed legislation nT A need for protection Thefrom meeting oil & began gas...... on Friday,4 NovemberIapproving 10, with a massivetwo sessions giveaway focused on renew- to a coal company and significantly nable The energy war andagainst agriculture. Keynote speaker David Morris—vice president of the undermining landowners in the Bull Instituterenewable for Local energy...... Self-Reliance5 and an expert on biofuels—discussed how a biofuels Mountains, as well as other parts of nindustry Fighting could corporate meet energy needs, provide economic opportunities for farmers, and eastern Montana. createfood...... sustainable local communities.5 nFollowing Coal mine the keynote,reclamation Morris was joined by John Van Delinder, street superinten- The move was part of a large public dentthe for pits...... the City of Bozeman,5 and by Howard Haines, bioenergy program manager Member Julia Page is interviewed by a film Northern Plains Chair Mark Fix (left) as- lands package inserted into a must- nfor EPA the issuesMontana coal Department ash of Environmental Quality, in a panel presentation crew from the Virginia Organizing Project sists Rep. Wanda Grinde (center) and Rep. pass National Defense Authorization (VOP), a longtime ally. VOP filmed our An- Arlene Becker (right) as they conduct a aboutrules the without emerging teeth..... biodiesel 6industry in Montana. The speech and panel discussion Act. The package, which included nual Meeting as part of a documentary lobbying workshop, preparing members for nearned The DemiseNorthern ofPlains Coal.... favorable6 press about our Biodiesel: Homegrown Prosper- about grassroots organizing. the 2007 legislative session. important protections for the nity campaign, including a Billings Gazette editorial endorsing the use of biodieselLooking northeast from the Bull Mountains is some of the land beneath which federal coal Annual Meeting Flathead and Rocky Mountain of our new campaign—Protect Our Water Rights. This campaign aims to protect blendsresolutions...... in Billings’ city 11-13fleet. was transferred to a private corporation. The "swap" effectively ends a long-standing ban on Front, unfortunately also continued strip miningMontana’s federal coal water in the rights Bulls. system from attempts by a methane company to sidestep n Carbon County halts a decades-old tradition of finding One part oflongstanding the package, requirements sponsored thatland water of Northernrights be usedPlains for members), beneficial purposes and citizen zoning...... 14 ways to put public resources into by all threethat members the water of Montana’snot be wasted. Membersas well as were in Big also Horn able toCounty, tour Northern to Plains’ new n Council the hands of the coal industry and congressionalgreen delegation, building, transferred Home on the Range.Great Northern Properties (GNP), Roundup...... 14-15 undermining the property rights of highly valuable coal in the Bull n As always, the Annual Meeting gave members an opportunity to enjoy food and en- A new funding idea..16 landowners elsewhere. Mountains (some of it beneath the tertainment while catching up with old friends.Continued On Friday night,on Page Yellowstone 14 Valley Citizens Council hosted their annual Cowboy Supper, and Northern Plains members Glendive oiland staff burstperformed at Theater sparks of the West, our homegrown talent show. The event concluded Saturday night with a champagne toast, a performance by Keystone Billings-basedsafety bluegrass concerns band, the Longtime Lonesome Dogs, and exciting live and silent auctions. Thanks to generous members and supporters who donated and bid pipeline carrying Bakken “People should understand how PULLOUT SECTION on items, our annual fundraiser was a great success. The proceeds from the auctions crude oil burst Jan. 17 serious pipeline spills are because will support Northern Plains’ work throughout the coming year. beneath the ice-choked they don’t just affect the specific site A -Laura Nelson Yellowstone River about five miles where the spill happens. They affect

Photo by James Woodcock, Billings Gazette. west of Glendive. everyone for miles downstream – municipal water users, irrigators, Former Billings Mayor Chuck Tooley gives a PowerPoint presentationResponse on global byclimate officials change was slow as at Northern Plains’ Annual Meeting. wildlife, recreationists, soil, water, locals complained of an oil smell Inside: air, everything,” said Dena Hoff, in the air and in their water. About a Northern Plains member and 64th Legislature On Saturday, November 11, our luncheon speaker was twoKath days Williams, after the president spill, officials farmer/rancher whose land borders Primer of the World Green Building Council and principal of Kathclosed Williams the water + Associates, intake for the city the Yellowstone River near the site Pages 7-10 a Bozeman firm that supports sustainable education projects.of Glendive Williams and presentedbegan trucking in of the spill. “This spill is another a slide program about the benefits of green building andbottled discussed water energy for 6,000efficient residents. n Becoming a citizen example of why landowners don’t constructionDawson projects Resource around Council the member globe. Amy Myran lobbyist...... 7 want the proposed Keystone XL draws murky water from her tap in Glendive A Bridger Pipeline spokesman said n Who ya gonna Former fiveBillings days Mayorafter the Chuck Yellowstone Tooley River drove oil homespill. the importanceabout 40,000 of gallons renewable, of oil spilled pipeline. Pipelines don’t have a good call?...... 7 sustainableAmy energy said her with water a powerful had a diesel presentation smell the about first global warming on Saturday track record. The Keystone XL would during the hour-long breach. n Committees and afternoon.three Tooley days isafter one theof 50 spill. people Five traineddays later by Althe Gore to give presentations on cli- cross just upstream from where my water was extremely cloudy because the water members...... 8-9 mate change based on Gore’s film and book, An InconvenientThis Truth is the. Tooley second described major spill on the irrigation water comes from. lines were being flushed out, but it no longer n the causes, evidence, and consequences of global warming,Yellowstone as well as Riversteps citizensin 3½ years, and it The importance of smelled. phone calls...... 10 can take to reduce carbon dioxide emissions to reverse thisreinforces dangerous landowner trend. concerns about “We rural landowners are being n having the proposed KeystoneMembers XL (clockwiseasked to from be lowerthe sacrificial left) Wade lambsSikorski, Andy Mikes, Our Nellie Northern Israel, and PlainsClare Our 2006 Annual Meeting also featured a lobbying workshop with Montana state Witcomb participate in a lobbying workshop at the Annual Meeting. 10 pipeline cross their property. bill priorities...... representatives Arlene Becker and Wanda Grinde, as well as a panel discussion Continued on Page 3

TheThe Plains Plains Truth Truth Winter Winter 2015 2007 PagePage 1 to the members people of the plains Coal deal part of entrenched struggle Jeannie Brown fights for livable home along tracks n December, then-Representative In all likelihood, it will mean strip mining other items that got thrown into this massive t literally shakes informed, but also helps Daines and Senators Walsh and Tester in the Bull Mountains area for coal that will bill were bombers that don’t fly right (and things on my people to become more Icelebrated the passage of the public probably be exported to Asia. that the Pentagon didn’t even want), along “Ishelves.” Jeannie educated voters. lands package – attached to the National with a rollback of many of the banking Brown’s front door is exactly This marks the third time that Great Jeannie ran for the Montana Defense Authorization Act – as a victory for regulations that were supposed to protect us 280 feet from the train tracks Northern and its successors have gotten Legislature in 2014. Though bipartisanship. from another banking crisis. We did get more in Belgrade. billions of dollars of the public’s resources unsuccessful, she plans to run wilderness in western Montana, but this is for almost nothing. again in 2016. She believes But part of that package was certainly no way to do business. A stay-at-home grandmother, a “sweetheart” coal swap Jeannie raises her Montanans need sensible The first big giveaway was when the that put millions of tons of When we have setbacks like this we must granddaughter who has health people in office who will fight government granted the Northern Pacific publicly owned coal (in the Bull redouble our efforts to fight for landowners’ problems. Sleep is precious for individuals across our Railroad every other square-mile surface and Mountains) into the hands of rights and expand our laws promoting clean for them, but the noise from beautiful state. She feels that, in I hope, if minerals on both sides of the railroad tracks Great Northern Properties. This energy as an alternative to the mining and trains has vastly decreased the a way, she won because of the nothing else, from one end of Montana to the other. giveaway of a public resource that burning of coal. quality of life in her home, amount she learned during the I inspire After numerous mergers and acquisitions, was sneaked into an unrelated especially since there can be election. For instance, “A lot the Northern Pacific and Great Northern That is exactly our agenda for the 2015 people to get bill could be better characterized up to three trains per hour. of voters don’t know about the involved.” became the Burlington Northern Railroad Montana Legislature. The only way we can as a demonstration of how big The view from Jeannie Brown's front yard in Belgrade. oil and gas tax holiday and the (now part of BNSF Railway). counter the power of the big corporations Because of the noise and poor – Jeannie corporations can get pretty much Plains Resource Council for the first time, amount of radioactive waste Brown and their influence is with our own grassroots air quality, she can’t even enjoy whatever they want under our In 1990, the Burlington Northern orchestrated and was immediately impressed with “all of brought here from North Dakota.” efforts. her yard. Most people don’t bother with an air current political system. a swap in which it acquired more than 50 the different people Northern Plains attracts conditioner in her area, but Jeannie had to buy Even though campaigning was hard work, million tons of federal coal in exchange for a That’s why we need everyone to contact their and how seriously they look at their issues When this bill became law, Great Northern one for the summers because she can’t keep Jeannie wants to run again to educate and fishing access site in western Montana. This legislators – and make a trip to Helena, if from all sides.” Properties – a spinoff of the Burlington her windows open at night. engage people in her district around the worked out to securing all that coal for 1.3¢ possible – to promote our bills and oppose Northern Railroad and the largest private Despite living on a fixed income, Jeannie issues she cares about. “I hope, if nothing per ton. It’s being mined today by Signal Peak the bills that will try to roll back protections Her concerns heightened when she learned owner of coal reserves in the United States joined Northern Plains and has renewed else, I inspire people to get involved.” Energy, and the federal treasury receives no for our land, water, and air. that coal export terminals proposed on the – received more than 100 million tons of the every year because Northern Plains’ issues royalties on that coal. West Coast could increase coal train traffic Having grown up in Colorado, Jeannie thinks most valuable coal in the state, in exchange For all you do, thank you! are so important to her. several times over. a lot about water and how it could someday for coal they owned under the Northern Then came the lands package in the defense – Steve Charter, Jeannie said one of the most valuable things be recognized as “more valuable than Cheyenne Reservation, coal that is essentially bill at the end of 2014. In addition to the “This is all of our futures,” she said, “How Northern Plains Chair about Northern Plains is the ability to learn gold.” She is mindful of the future, and of worthless. coal giveaway to Great Northern Properties, we deal with all of these issues will not only and get access to information. “I can ask a preserving natural resources for generations affect all of us, but it will also affect the question and get information that is very to come. She thinks the staying power of future of our families.” The Plains Truth factual and nonpartisan.” She thinks society Northern Plains is critical. “If we don’t trust The Plains Truth is published by Northern Plains has become apathetic, in part because getting the groups who have been doing great work Resource Council. Northern Plains members receive She testified before the U.S. Army Corps of The Plains Truth as one of the benefits of membership. Engineers, the port regulating agency, about involved can be confusing and overwhelming. for us for years,” she said, “who will we trust Membership Dues coal train traffic a couple of years ago. It was Not only does Jeannie believe that Northern to guide us into the future?” $500+ Riders of the Big Sky $50 Range Rider then that she was introduced to Northern Plains helps members to become very – Ella Smith $200 Bottom Line Rider $40 General Member $100 Rough Rider $15-$39 Living Lightly www.northernplains.org Endowment Northern Plains Resource Council is a grassroots conservation and family agriculture group. Northern Plains organizes The Northern Plains Endowment is a permanent fund Continued from Page 1 Montana citizens to protect our water quality, family farms, and unique quality of life. established to help sustain Northern Plains’ work Why I’m a Monthly Sustainer: Oil spill One into the future. If you want to make a donation, Northern Plains Board of Directors a memorial gift, or a bequest to this fund, please contact the Northern Plains office. Kate French investing in future so that America can export oil to other countries. I hope person’s Chair Vice Chair Secretary Northern Plains Staff ozeman members Kate French and her husband, Brad tragedies like these will prompt decision-makers to push Steve Charter, Shepherd Jeanie Alderson, Birney Beth Kaeding, Bozeman Staff Director: Teresa Erickson for more renewable energy, such as solar and wind. I’ve bequest – Development Coordinator: Steve Paulson Bauer, have been a part of Northern Plains since 2009, Assistant Treasurer B Assistant Secretary Treasurer Director of Organizing and Campaigns: and became Monthly Sustainers just last December. never seen a solar panel spill deadly toxins into our water, Kate French, Bozeman Lana Sangmeister, Nye Becky Mitchell, Billings Olivia Stockman Splinter or onto our land, or pollute our air.” yours – can Past Chair Deputy Director of Organizing: Svein Newman Organizers: Maggie Zaback, Adam Haight, “By giving monthly to Northern Plains, Brad and I can Walter Archer, Olive Alicia Pettys, Hannah Hostetter, Colin Lauderdale, budget our donation throughout the year,” said Kate. “We This spill is similar to ExxonMobil’s Silvertip pipeline burst make a at-large board members Ella Smith used to wait until December to donate, beneath the Yellowstone River near Laurel on July 1, 2011. Grassroots Fundraiser: Caleb Lande difference in Connie Keogh, Missoulla Janet McMillan,Greenough Jean Lemire Dahlman, Forsyth Clinton Nagel, Bozeman Communications Coordinator: Larry Winslow but between the holidays and other More than 63,000 gallons of oil quickly spread downstream, Office Manager: Karen Olson year-end donations, we couldn’t give as affecting wildlife, parks, landowners, ag producers, and AFFILIATE board members Comptroller: Paula Berg our future. Technical Assistant: Kristal McKamey much as we would have liked. Monthly others. Hundreds of workers cleaned up the oily mess for Bear Creek Council Central Montana Resource Sleeping Giant Citizens Council Jesuit Volunteer: Sarah Fitzgerald giving helps us get around this headache months at a cost of $135 million, $1.6 million in contested Jim Peaco, Mammoth Hot Springs Council Roxa Reller, Helena Legislative Intern: Robyn Yancey and support Northern Plains with a state fines for Exxon, and a lawsuit against the oil company Barbara O'Grady, Gardiner Roger Lohrer, Lewistown Western Organization of Resource Councils Please Stillwater Protective donation we feel good about. by landowners affected by the spill. Beartooth Alliance Harry Felton, Lewistown Northern Plains is a founding member of the Western Association Organization of Resource Councils. WORC is a Nellie Israel, Joliet remember Dawson Resource Council Charles Sangmeister, Nye regional network of eight grassroots community “I’m consistently impressed with Kate French In the latest spill, ice on the river has made it difficult to see organizations that include 12,200 members in seven Bull Mountain Land Alliance Amy Myran, Glendive Bill Hand, Nye the tenacity, resourcefulness, and creativity of the entire where the oil has gone and has slowed clean-up efforts. Ellen Pfister, Shepherd Dennis Getz, Glendive Western states. WORC helps its member groups Northern Yellowstone Bend Citizens Council succeed by providing training and coordinating Northern Plains team. In fact, we never think of our gift as Carbon County Resource Council It took almost 48 hours for people living in Glendive to McCone Agricultural Catherine Logan, Emigrant regional issue campaigns. Visit WORC at www.worc.org. Deb Muth, Red Lodge a donation, but as an investment in Montana’s future — one Plains in Protection Organization Joan Kresich, Livingston Northern Plains Resource Council be notified that they should not drink their tap water, Becky Grey, Red Lodge we are happy to make.” Charlie Yarger, Circle 220 South 27th Street, Suite A, Billings, MT 59101 despite reports from residents that they smelled diesel Yellowstone Valley your will! Cottonwood Resource Council Tel: (406) 248-1154 Fax: (406) 248-2110 (benzene, a carcinogen) in their water. Cindy Webber, Big Timber Rosebud Protective Association Citizens Council Email: [email protected] – Colin Lauderdale Michael Drye, Big Timber Ed Gulick, Billings Website: www.northernplains.org – Larry Winslow

The Plains Truth Winter 2015 Page 2 The Plains Truth Winter 2015 Page 3 annual meeting annual meeting Keynoter: Get fired up over fracking War waged on renewables, consumers et tough and get Helen said. “Even the best safety nergy utilities have said. “There Ben Reed of He promoted Northern involved at the local regulations can’t make cement reached “peak is a war on Billings, the Plains’ “Community Solar” level, Helen Slottje told stronger than cement already centralization” and need renewables, owner of bill, which would allow for E neighborhood net metering, G to change their ways or become and a Winpower a Northern Plains audience on is. Over enough time, all well Nov. 15. Helen, a winner of the casings will leak.” obsolete, according to Tyson war on West and a or multiple individuals owning 2014 Goldman Environmental Slocum, Director of Public consumers.” member of a solar installation together. Helen encouraged residents Prize, was the keynote speaker at Citizen’s Energy Program. Northern Under current Montana law, near Belfry, who are pursuing Tyson said Tyson Slocum Ben Reed our 43rd Annual Meeting. Plains’ an individual can only own an a citizen-initiated zoning Tyson was the first speaker at the rooftop solar in 47 states is cost- Clean Energy Task Force, urged installation if it is located on morning panel of the Annual competitive or better than the ANNUAL As a lawyer from Ithaca, New ordinance to protect property panel-goers to get involved in property he or she owns. York, Helen successfully helped and natural resources from Meeting, on the topic of small- local utility, and solar is seen as Northern Plains’ efforts to get AWARDS “disruptive” by utilities stuck in He agreed that utilities are 200 communities ban fracking damage by planned oil drilling scale renewable energy. rid of these utility-made barriers their ways. Net metering, which reacting to small-scale solar in a before New York’s governor on the Beartooth Front. Audience members learned to solar. For example, systems banned the practice statewide allows customers to sell electricity reactionary way. “We’re seeing “It’s impossible for any one about the “disruption” that in Montana are capped at 50 kw. in December 2014. Fracking they produce back to the utility, higher and higher fees up front to landowner to have a level playing small-scale solar is making on And, aggregate (consolidated) (hydraulic fracturing) is a puts rooftop solar on equal set up a net metering account, but field when negotiating with an our energy system, and about net metering is not allowed. process that forces millions of footing. It’s driving utilities “crazy.” it doesn’t have to be that way.” oil company,” she said. laws holding us back from gallons of water and dangerous He advocates for policy reforms achieving a renewable energy Other industries have handled On a broader scale, our nation’s chemicals like diesel and It’s impossible for any one landowner to have a to remove the needless and often In the end, Helen said, we need future that benefits everybody. these challenges just fine. “There energy regulatory framework benzene – accompanied by up level playing field when negotiating with an oil arbitrary barriers to small-scale to “create communities we want wasn’t a march on Washington needs to be redesigned. A utility Alaina Buffalo to four million pounds of sand company. Tyson said there are no technical renewable energy development. Spirit of Billings to live in.” by the typewriter industry,” can become more of a facilitator – about a mile underground – Helen Slottje hurdles to renewables, but rather was awarded the Tyson said. There were good “We have a really great chance rather than a sole provider and Mary Donohoe to release more oil and gas in “Local citizen control of political hurdles by the utility- to nowhere.” environment written into your people working in that industry, of winning this time around,” he distributer. "Tell It Like It Is" “unconventional” drilling. fracking is important,” Helen grid-model interests. State Constitution,” she said. and technology passed it by, and said, citing bipartisan support in Award. The owners and shareholders said. “It has worked in New The energy industry claims that “It’s not an amendment or a “There is no war on coal,” he that’s okay. the Legislature. – Olivia Stockman Splinter of oil and gas companies, she York and it can work in ” law, but an inalienable right. It’s natural gas is a “bridge” fuel added, don’t have to live with the Montana. You are the ones who – cleaner than coal – that can about time you used it.” debilitating health problems, noise, have to live with fracking in your “bridge” America to an eventual Coal mine reclamation is the pits crime, and rural roads crowded She reminded audience members own back yard. The oil and gas Corporate food eating us transition to renewables, such and damaged by heavy trucks. that this right is the same as any companies are here to make a atty Lovera of Food and Patty documented how this is argie MacDonald from firsthand experience as solar, wind, and energy basic constitutional right, such as quick buck and get out.” Water Watch provided bad for both consumers and Western Organization of seeing the failure “Montana is unique among efficiencies. But Helen said, due process. startling statistics about producers, as retail costs have Resource Councils (WORC) of reclamation next “There is no bridge, no plan to the states in that you have a – Larry Winslow M P kicked off the coal panel at the Annual to his ranch at the America’s fractured food system. gone up and farmer profits gone and Adam Haight Connie Keogh transition. Natural gas is a bridge right to a clean and healthful Regulations have their limits, down in the past two decades, Meeting with an overview of the North Antelope of Missoula Patty showed how a few giant and as companies use their size forthcoming study, Undermined Promise II, Rochelle mine. While received the Bob businesses stand between 2 to maximize their profits. created by WORC in cooperation with showing a picture Tully Spirit Award. LJ Turner million American farmers and Northern Plains, the Natural Resources of the edge of his Better protections needed from oil & gas 315 million eaters, and how they She warned that laws are set up to Defense Council, and the National pasture as it stretches out into a coal he panel, Oil and Gas as well as the toward of active wells had not been are using their power to hurt support the largest corporations, Wildlife Federation. mine, LJ described the Porcupine Creek Reforms: Pressure from Northern industry inspected for five years, and 20% both farmers and consumers. so people cannot just selectively alluvial valley that used to be there, with of violations did not receive shop their way out of Undermined Promise the Ground Up, was a Plains’ Oil and mineral “In 1997,” she said, “the archaeological sites, springs, artesian T follow-up. One main reason for the problem. Rather, II revisits analyses riveting follow-up to Helen and Gas rights top four food retailers wells, cottonwoods, cedar, and pine- this lack of inspection is that we have to organize of coal mines in the Slottje’s keynote address. Task Force; holders – controlled almost 21% covered ridges. LJ has yet to see any State Rep. and its goals, there are only seven inspectors and push back against West to see how well reclamation after 30 years of mining at The panel presentation focused of the grocery store Virginia which are for all of Montana, and empty current laws and they are achieving North Antelope Rochelle mine and has more closely on the strategies Peggy Ames-Nerud Virgina Court market. By 2012, that Ron Fenex of Court; and to prevent positons had not been filled existing proposals that reclamation no expectations of the water returning. Billings was that Northern Plains is had risen to almost Helen Slottje. the waste of oil and gas, to by then-BOGC Administrator shift power away from standards required Margie MacDonald presented with 54%.” Wal-Mart alone is “It’s gone,” he said. employing to improve Montana’s encourage maximum recovery, Tom Richmond. Despite citizens and toward by the Surface a special award approaching a 1/3 share Patty Lovera insufficient oversight of oil and After a showing of Northern the explosion of oil and gas mega-corporations. Mining Control and Reclamation Act Northern Plains’ members Ellen Pfister for his long-time and to protect the rights of of American groceries. volunteer work at gas development. Plains’ short video Mixing Oil (SMCRA). and Jeanie Alderson also shared their mineral owners. development since 2011, there One such proposal, the Trans- Northern Plains and Water, Peggy Ames-Nerud are still only seven inspectors Grocery stores are just the tip families’ stories of the fight to pass and Home on the Those three strategies include: Pacific Partnership (TPP) trade This updated report shares findings on spoke of how protecting water One way the BOGC could be employed by the BOGC today. of the iceberg. Four companies SMCRA. Range. n Reforming the Montana deal would undermine U.S. food bond release, inspections, and takes an was her prime motivation. improved would be to expand control 96% of the baby Board of Oil and Gas All three speakers emphasized safety laws as well as Country-of- in-depth look at hydrologic reclamation. “They (coal companies) lied to my mother, “When I learned that they would those goals to include protecting formula market, 81% of the Conservation (BOGC); the need for citizens to push for Origin-Labeling that lets us know The study shows a growing gap between and that was a mistake,” said Ellen. not address water in oil and landowners and accounting chocolate market, and more n Securing local regulations necessary changes by packing where our meat comes from. promises made by coal companies gas leases, it motivated me to for the taxpayer costs, social than 60% of the packaged salad Jeanie, who was 11 years old when through zoning or committee hearings, speaking at and the reality of reclamation. Margie action.” costs, and environmental costs market. Two companies control Patty urged members to contact SMCRA passed, also told tales of her conservation districts; BOGC meetings, making phone emphasized that because coal seams are associated with oil and gas 80% of all American beer, and the Montana congressional mother’s tireless work for four years n Strengthening landowner Peggy was then nominated calls, and writing letters to the themselves aquifers, it is impossible to development. 58% of all processed cheese. delegation and urge them to vote to get SMCRA passed. Jeanie sees the protections in the Montana by Governor Bullock to the editor. As Helen put it, “You mine coal without compromising the Kraft Foods controls more than against giving President Obama reclamation standards in SMCRA as a Legislature. Montana BOGC in 2013. Rep. Court went on to explain need fannies in seats for change hydrology of the area. some of the needed reforms that 1/3 of all lunch meats. And just unilateral “fast-track” authority promise: “I take that promise personally.” She explained the makeup of to happen!” Speakers included Peggy Ames- a 2012 legislative audit of the four companies control 85% of that bypasses Congress for TPP. LJ Turner from Powder River Basin – Hannah Hostetter the BOGC – which is skewed Nerud, member of the BOGC BOGC revealed. In 2011, 58% – Alicia Pettys the U.S. cattle market. – Svein Newman Resource Council in Wyoming shared his

The Plains Truth Winter 2015 Page 4 The Plains Truth Winter 2015 Page 5 land and water Special Pullout Section COAL BRIEFS Royalty loophole targeted Lummi Tribe cites treaty rights n January 6, the Office of Natural Resource Revenue WHAT YOU CAN DO egislative prime he Lummi Tribe of northwest Washington has (ONRR), an agency within Watch your Inbox for an Action Alert invoked federal treaty rights in its effort to stop a O in early February so you can tell 2015 – MONTANA’S 64th SESSION T the Department of Interior, released a massive coal export terminal proposed near its reservation. draft rule to close a loophole through Interior to make Big Coal pay its fair share. which coal companies have been L R On January 5, the tribe formally asked the U.S. Army dodging royalty payments when mining Corps of Engineers, the port’s permitting agency, to they re-sell the coal to a real customer at publicly owned coal. halt its review of a permit for the proposed port outside market value. Citizen lobbyists key to success Bellingham. If developed, the port would be North The overwhelming majority of the The effect of this loophole has been s a grassroots, member-led organization, America’s largest coal export facility. approximately 400 million tons of Thad Mauney, left, and especially damaging as coal exports have Northern Plains members have the Walt Gulick practice coal mined in the Powder River Basin In the Lummi Nation’s letter, Tribal Chairman Tim increased. In the export market, Powder opportunity to get involved in developing their citizen lobbyist each year is actually owned by the Ballew II said impacts to fishing rights by the proposed A training Jan. 10 with River Basin coal can be sold at prices and executing strategy, including for our legislative American taxpayer. When mining this Northern Plains staffer terminal cannot be mitigated. more than 10 times greater than in the objectives. If enough of our members take part, coal, companies are required to pay Olivia Stockman domestic market. it’s an opportunity that could make the difference Splinter. The half-day The letter deals a major blow to the coal port proposal, a 12.5% royalty on the market value between success and disappointment at the State session was added as courts over the years have ruled that tribes have of strip-mined coal (8% on coal from This scheme amounts to a government Legislature. this year, in addition significant treaty rights that need to be protected. underground mines). Currently, the subsidy for coal that has cost taxpayers to training that will be market value of coal is calculated at the tens of millions of dollars per year. Many “special interest” lobbyists walk the halls of available in Helena the night before each of our Suit over Otter Creek shortcut first transaction after mining. the capitol on a regular basis, but the credibility that The proposed ONRR rules seek to close Lobby Days. We’ve had an unpaid citizen lobbyist carries is much higher one Lobby Day already orthern Plains and allies in December, filed a However, coal companies have been this loophole by calculating royalties for – and is magnified when the connection is made on Jan. 28 (landowner Notice of Intent to sue the Department of gaming this system for decades at the N federal coal on the coal’s first “arm’s- that the citizen lobbyist is a part of a statewide protections/oil & gas). Environmental Quality (DEQ) for its attempt to expense of U.S. taxpayers. They cut length” transaction – meaning the first organization and is representing thousands of Be sure to sign up shortcut the review their royalty payments by selling coal to for the second Lobby time a coal company sells to a customer regular citizens just like themselves. of Arch Coal’s revised wholly owned subsidiaries at a price well that is not controlled by that company. Day on Feb. 18 (clean The Demise of Coal (a series) Otter Creek mine permit below market value, then calculating energy/net metering). ONRR is requesting public comment on Northern Plains has a reputation – among legislators Please call (406) application. royalty payments on the below-market the rule until March 9. who like us and legislators who don’t – of being 248-1154 so we can price of these transactions. Afterward, arrange carpooling and In October 2014, after – Colin Lauderdale Continued on Page 10 accommodations. 18 months working on a response to DEQ’s 41-page deficiency letter, No teeth in coal ash rules Arch Coal submitted a significant exceedance of groundwater heavily revised version n December, the Environmental Contact Your Legislators WHAT YOU CAN DO standards, and requires that coal ash of an Otter Creek mine Protection Agency finally issued the first-ever federal standards for unit owners make all monitoring data Phone: Call (406) 444-4800 to leave a message for legislators or committees. Your message permit application. The I will be delivered directly to the legislators. The Session Information Desk is open 7:30 a.m.-5  Join us for our second Lobby Day, Feb. 18, and reports publicly available and revised application the disposal of coal ash. These long- maintained on a public website. p.m. Monday-Friday, and 8 a.m. to early (noon) adjournment on Saturdays. on clean energy/net metering. Call (406) included more than overdue rules are an important step in the right direction, even if they don’t go 248-1154 to sign up. 5,000 pages of new Unfortunately for landowners near Email: Use online message form at http://leg.mt.gov/css/Sessions/64th/legwebmessage.asp far enough to protect neighbors from documents. the leaking coal ash pond at Colstrip,  Contact your legislators. Go to the dangers of the leaking ash ponds. Write a letter: the rule does not require federal www.northernplains.org and click on Despite the new material, DEQ decided to begin Senator [Name] Rep. [Name] Governor enforcement. Nor does it reviewing the revised application at the “technical The new rule defines coal Montana Senate Montana House of Gov. Steve Bullock “Legislature” to find contact links. call for an end to the use of review” stage, bypassing the first phase of review – the ash as non-hazardous waste, PO Box 200500 Representatives Office of the Governor  surface impoundments for Go to www.northernplains.org and under “administrative completeness determination” – under even though it contains Helena, MT 59620-0500 PO Box 200400 PO Box 200801 coal ash disposal, nor require “Legislature” then “2015 bills,” follow our Montana’s strip mine laws. This clearly illegal action heavy metals and other toxic Helena, MT 59620-0400 Helena MT 59620-0801 existing impoundments to be Bills Supported and Bills Opposed. hobbles DEQ’s review of the application and slashes materials. Still, this is a step (406) 444-3111 retrofitted with liners. The ash Montanans’ right and ability to weigh in on the process. forward. Coal ash will now be Fax: House (406) 444-4825 Fax: (406) 444-5529  Click “Fact Sheets” or “Our Issues” on our treated at least as stringently ponds at Colstrip are leaking Senate (406) 444-4875 Email: http://governor.mt.gov/ Wally McRae website for talking points. Arch applies for mine permits as household and commercial 370 gallons per minute of toxic Home/Contact/shareopinion waste. It establishes criteria for ensuring sludge into groundwater that ranchers  Read your electronic and hard-copy n addition to submitting its application for a mining structural integrity of disposal units, and in the area rely on for their operations. Legislative Bulletins. (Let us know if you Ipermit at Otter Creek, Arch Coal also submitted its requires routine structural assessments. Legislative Leaders and Officers “I remember decades ago when a want to only receive the weekly e-Bulletin application for an air quality permit this fall. It defines filling in surface mines with group of us ranchers went to Helena SENATE HOUSE coal ash as solid waste disposal, not as a electronically.) A month later, the Department of Environmental because we were worried about how President – Debby Barrett Speaker – Austin Knudsen “beneficial use” of coal ash.  Be on a legislative phone tree, when Quality identified 10 pages worth of deficiencies in the proposed coal ash ponds at Colstrip President Pro Tempore – Speaker Pro Tempore – Lee Randall the application. Arch must respond before moving It requires groundwater monitoring would affect our water quality,” said Frederick “Eric” Moore Majority Leader – Keith Regier action is needed now! Call Sarah at (406) forward. Northern Plains is working with air quality systems to be installed within 30 area rancher Wally McRae in a press Majority Leader – Matt Rosendale Majority Whips – Jerry Bennett, Alan Doan, Greg 248-1154 or email experts to hold Arch accountable to science and the months at all coal ash disposal locations. release. “Since then, the ponds have Majority Whips – Ed Buttrey, Hertz, Sarah Laszloffy [email protected]. law, and is waiting for Arch to resubmit in February. This will begin the process of obtaining contaminated the water under that land Carrie Smith Minority Leader – Chuck Hunter  Arch coal also recently submitted its MPDES (water data to assess where contamination as well as the neighboring land.” Minority Leader – Jon Sesso Minority Whips – Bryce Bennett, Margaret Write a letter to the editor of your paper. discharge) permit application. has occurred. It requires closure of Minority Whips – Robyn Driscoll, MacDonald, Jenny Eck  Follow us on Facebook. – Northern Plains staff unlined units where monitoring shows – Olivia Stockman Splinter Tom Facey Minority Caucus Chair – Carolyn Pease-Lopez

The Plains Truth Winter 2015 Page 6 The Plains Truth Winter 2015 Page 7 2015 Legislative Primer house committees senate committees Agriculture Burnett, Rep. Tom (R-Bozeman) Ethics Berglee, Seth (R-Joliet) Agriculture, Livestock Ethics Fish and Game Ankney, Duane (R-Colstrip) (Meets Tu, Th, 3 p.m. Room 137) Caferro, Sen. Mary (D-Helena) (On call) Eck, Jenny (D-Helena) and Irrigation (On call) (Meets Tu, Th, 3 p.m. Room Brenden, John (R-Scobey) Redfield, Alan (R-Livingston) – Keenan, Sen. Bob (R-Bigfork) Harris, Bill (R-Winnett) – Chair Fiscus, Clayton (R-Billings) (Meets Tu,Th, 3 p.m. Room Arntzen, Elsie (R-Billings) – 422) Connell, Pat (R-Hamilton) Chair Noonan, Rep. Pat (D-Ramsay) Schwaderer, Nicholas (R-Superior) Hess, Stephanie (R-Havre) 335) Chair Brenden, John (R-Scobey) – Fielder, Jennifer (R-Thompson Clark, Christy (R-Choteau) – Vice Judicial Branch, Law Enforcement – Vice Chair Hill, Ellie Boldman (D-Missoula) Brown, Taylor (R-Huntley) – Brown, Dee (R-Hungry Horse) – Chair Falls) Chair and Justice Bennett, Bryce (D-Missoula) – Vice Kelker, Kathy (D-Billings) Chair Vice Chair Ripley, Rick (R-Wolf Creek) – Hamlett, Bradley Maxon MacDonald, Margie (D-Billings) – (Meets M-F, 8 a.m.) Chair Laszloffy, Sarah (R-Billings) Hoven, Brian (R-Great Falls) – Facey, Tom (D-Missoula) Vice Chair (D-Cascade) Vice Chair Pease-Lopez, Carolyn (D-Billings) MacDonald, Margie (D-Billings) Vice Chair Malek, Sue (D-Missoula) Facey, Tom (D-Missoula) Hoven, Brian (R-Great Falls) Brodehl, Rep. Randy (R-Kalispell) Manzella, Theresa (R-Hamilton) Kaufmann, Christine Berglee, Seth (R-Joliet) - Chair Caferro, Mary (D-Helena) Fielder, Jennifer (R-Thompson Curdy, Willis (D-Missoula) Federal Relations, Energy and McConnell, Nate (D-Missoula) Cohenour, Jill (D-East Helena) Finance & Claims Falls) (D-Helena) Hansen, Sen. Kristin (R-Havre) – Meyers, G. Bruce (R-Box Elder) Keane, Jim (D-Butte) Harris, Bill (R-Winnett) Vice Chair Telecommunications Hansen, Kristin (R-Havre) (Meets M-F, 8 a.m. Room 317) Hamlett, Bradley Maxon Hertz, Greg (R-Polson) (Meets M, W, F, 3 p.m. Room 472) Monforton, Matthew (R-Bozeman) Howard, David (R-Park City) (D-Cascade) Larsen, Cliff (D-Missoula) Dudik, Rep. Kimberly (D-Missoula) Pease-Lopez, Carolyn (D-Billings) Jones, Llew (R-Conrad) – Chair Phillips, Mike (D-Bozeman) Karjala, Jessica (D-Billings) Holmlund, Rep. Kenneth (R-Miles Lang, Mike (R-Malta) – Chair Moore, Eric (R-Miles City) Keenan, Bob (R-Bigfork) - Vice Hinkle, Jedediah (R-Bozeman) Lang, Mike (R-Malta) Perry, Zac (D-Hungry Horse) Pomnichowski, JP (D-Bozeman) Phillips, Mike (D-Bozeman) City) Zolnikov, Daniel (R-Billings) – Vice Person, Andrew (D-Missoula) Chair Public Health, Welfare Manzella, Theresa (R-Hamilton) Howard, Sen. David (R-Park City) Chair Stewart-Peregoy, Sharon Blasdel, Mark (R-Kalispell) Smith, Cary (R-Billings) and Safety McKamey, Wendy (R-Great Falls) Pinocci, Randy (R-Sun River) (D-Crow Agency) Vincent, Chas (R-Libby) Wolken, Sen. Cynthia (D-Missoula) Steenberg, Tom (D-Missoula) – Regier, Keith (R-Kalispell) Brenden, John (R-Scobey) (Meets M, W, F, 3 p.m. Room Monforton, Matthew (R-Bozeman) Vice Chair Swandal, Nels (R-Wilsall) Caferro, Mary (D-Helena) Vuckovich, Gene (D-Anaconda) 317) Mortensen, Dale (R-Billings) Long Range Planning Wagoner, Kirk (R-Montana City) Wolken, Cynthia (D-Missoula) (Meets M-F, 8 a.m.) Berry, Tom (R-Roundup) Hamlett, Bradley Maxon Thomas, Fred (R-Stevensville) Olsen, Andrea (D-Missoula) Custer, Geraldine (R-Forsyth) Legislative Administration (D-Cascade) Highways and Transportation Olszewski, Albert (R-Kalispell) Cuffe, Rep. Mike (R-Eureka) - Chair Business, Labor (Meets Tu, Th, 3 p.m. Room – Chair Knudsen, Austin (R-Culbertson) (On call) Hansen, Kristin (R-Havre) Howard, David (R-Park City) – Pease-Lopez, Carolyn (D-Billings) Ripley, Sen. Rick (R-Wolf Creek) – Lynch, Ryan (D-Butte) and Economic Affairs Howard, David (R-Park City) 405) Perry, Zac (D-Hungry Horse) Vice Chair Welborn, Jeffrey (R-Dillon) – Chair (Meets M-F, 8 a.m. Room 422) Vice Chair Moore, David (Doc) (R-Missoula) Clark, Christy (R- Choteau) – Vice Keane, Jim (D-Butte) Arntzen, Elsie (R-Billings) – Caferro, Mary (D-Helena) Pierson, Gordon (D-Deer Lodge) Hagstrom, Rep. Dave (R-Billings) Pease-Lopez, Carolyn (D-Billings) Buttrey, Ed (R-Great Falls) – Moore, Eric (R-Miles City) Chair Salomon, Daniel (R-Ronan) Peppers, Rep. Rae (D-Lame Deer) Chair Sands, Diane (D-Missoula) Person, Andrew (D-Missoula) McClafferty, Edie (D-Butte) – Vice Chair Phillips, Mike (D-Bozeman) Vance, Gordon (R-Belgrade) – Smith, Cary (R-Billings) Staffanson, Scott (R-Sidney) Smith, Sen. Cary (R-Wolf Point) Pinocci, Randy (R-Sun River) Arntzen, Elsie (R-Billings) – Ripley, Rick (R-Wolf Creek) Vice Chair Webber, Susan (D-Browning) Tropila, Rep. Mitch (D-Great Falls) Chair Swandal, Nels (R-Wilsall) Pope, Christopher (D-Bozeman) Bennett, Jerry (R-Libby) Vice Chair Rosendale, Matt (R-Glendive) Barrett, Dick (D-Missoula) Windy Boy, Jonathan (D-Box Williams, Kathleen (D-Bozeman) Windy Boy, Sen. Jonathan (D-Box Richmond, Tom (R-Billings) Brown, Dee (R-Hungry Horse) Sesso, Jon (D-Butte) Brown, Dee (R-Hungry Horse) Elder) Cuffe, Mike (R-Eureka) Elder) Schreiner, Casey (D-Great Falls) Doane, Alan (R-Bloomfield) Connell, Pat (R-Hamilton) Smith, Cary (R-Billings) Buttrey, Ed (R-Great Falls) Appropriations Welborn, Jeffrey (R-Dillon) Facey, Tom (D-Missoula) Taylor, Janna (R-Dayton) Kaufmann, Christine (Meets M-F, 8 a.m. Room 102) Natural Resources and Dunwell, Mary Ann (D-Helena) Rules Transportation Lang, Mike (R-Malta) Smith, Cary (R-Billings) Webb, Roger (R-Billings) (D-Helena) (On call) Ballance, Nancy (R-Hamilton) – (Meets M-F, 8 a.m.) Fish, Wildlife and Parks Perry, Zac (D-Hungry Horse) Stewart-Peregoy, Sharon Windy Boy, Jonathan (D-Box Malek, Sue (D-Missoula) Chair (Meets Tu, Th, 3 p.m. Room 152) (D-Crow Agency) Elder) Sales, Scott (R-Bozeman) Rosendale, Matt (R-Glendive) Glimm, Rep. Carl (R-Kila) - Chair Pierson, Gordon (D-Deer Lodge) – Chair Osmundson, Ryan (R-Buffalo) – Flynn, Kelly (R-Townsend) – Chair Tropila, Mitch (D-Great Falls) Vance, Gordon (R-Belgrade) Wolken, Cynthia (D-Missoula) Sands, Diane (D-Missoula) Brenden, Sen. John (R-Scobey) – Northern Plains member Jean Lemire Dahlman of Forsyth talks to Moore, Eric (R-Miles City) – Vice Chair Welborn, Jeffrey (R-Dillon) – Vice Webber, Susan (D-Browning) Vuckovich, Gene (D-Anaconda) Taylor, Janna (R-Dayton) Noonan, Pat (D-Ramsay) – Vice Vice Chair Senator Sue Malek of Missoula at one of our Lobby Days during the Whitford, Lea (D-Cut Bank) Thomas, Fred (R-Stevensville) Vice Chair Ballance, Rep. Nancy (R-Hamilton) Chair Zolnikov, Daniel (R-Billings) Appropriations/Finance & Barrett, Debby (R-Dillon) Chair 2013 Legislature. Whitford, Lea (D-Cut Bank) Ellis, Rep. Janet (D-Helena) Price, Jean (D-Great Falls) – Vice Claims Joint Subcommittees: Barrett, Dick (D-Missoula) Brodehl, Randy (R-Kalispell) Chair Local Government Committee on Committees Burnett, Tom (R-Bozeman) Keane, Sen. Jim (D-Butte) (On call) Education Judiciary Blasdel, Mark (R-Kalispell) Mehlhoff, Rep. Bob (D-Great Falls) Brown, Bob (R-Thompson Falls) (Meets Tu, Th, 3 p.m. Room 172) Rules Taxation (Meets M-F, 8 a.m. Room 472) Buttrey, Ed (R-Great Falls) Cuffe, Mike (R-Eureka) Brown, Zach (D-Bozeman) Brenden, John (R-Scobey) – (Meets M-F, 8 a.m. Room 303) Dudik, Kimberly (D-Missoula) Rosendale, Sen. Matt (R-Glendive) Greef, Edward (R-Florence) – Chair (On call) (Meets M-F, 8 a.m. Room 152) Jones, Llew (R-Conrad) – Vice Hansen, Kristin (R-Havre) Cook, Rob (R-Conrad) Fitzpatrick, Steve (R-Great Falls) – Chair Sales, Scott (R-Bozeman) – Keenan, Bob (R-Bigfork) Ehli, Ron (R-Hamilton) Essmann, Jeff (R-Billings) – Chair Miller, Mike (R-Helmville) – Chair Chair Business and Labor Court, Virginia (D-Billings) Vice Chair Brown, Dee (R-Hungry Horse) Chair Moe, Mary Sheehy (D-Great Ellis, Janet (D-Helena) Bennett, Jerry (R-Libby) – Vice Hertz, Greg (R-Polson) – Vice Chair Hamlett, Bradley Maxon (Meets M-F, 8 a.m. Room 172) Fiscus, Clayton (R-Billings) Swanson, Kathy (D-Anaconda) – Hansen, Kristin (R-Havre) Fielder, Jennifer (R-Thompson Falls) Glimm, Carl (R-Kila) Chair Williams, Kathleen (D-Bozeman) – (D-Cascade) Hess, Stephanie (R-Havre) Vice Chair Ripley, Rick (R-Wolf Creek) Falls) – Vice Chair Phillips, Mike (D-Bozeman) Hagstrom, Dave (R-Billings) Berry, Tom (R-Roundup) – Chair Hunter, Chuck (D-Helena) – Vice Vice Chair Moore, Eric (R-Miles City) Jacobson, Tom (D-Great Falls) Berry, Tom (R-Roundup) Taylor, Janna (R-Dayton) Driscoll, Robyn (D-Billings) Ripley, Rick (R-Wolf Creek) Hollandsworth, Roy (R-Brady) Welborn, Jeffrey (R-Dillon) – Vice Chair Brown, Zach (D-Bozeman) Lieser, Ed (D-Whitefish) Custer, Geraldine (R-Forsyth) Vincent, Chas (R-Libby) General Government Hansen, Kristin (R-Havre) Sands, Diane (D-Missoula) Holmlund, Kenneth (R-Miles City) Chair Doane, Alan (R-Bloomfield) Cook, Rob (R-Conrad) Meyers, G. Bruce (R-Box Elder) Funk, Moffie (D-Helena) (Meets M-F, 8 a.m. Room 350) Hinkle, Jedediah (R-Bozeman) Sesso, Jon (D-Butte) Jones, Donald (R-Billings) Lynch, Ryan (D-Butte) – Vice Chair Dudik, Kimberly (D-Missoula) Custer, Geraldine (R-Forsyth) Noland, Mark (R-Bigfork) Garner, Frank (R-Kalispell) Education and Cultural Kary, Doug (R-Billings) Smith, Cary (R-Billings) McCarthy, Kelly (D-Billings) Clark, Christy (R-Choteau) Eck, Jenny (D-Helena) Dunwell, Mary Ann (D-Helena) Taylor, Janna (R-Dayton) – Vice Person, Andrew (D-Missoula) Hayman, Denise (D-Bozeman) Resources Larsen, Cliff (D-Missoula) Thomas, Fred (R-Stevensville) Mehlhoff, Bob (D-Great Falls) Curdy, Willis (D-Missoula) Hertz, Greg (R-Polson) Flynn, Kelly (R-Townsend) Chair Pinocci, Randy (R-Sun River) Kelker, Kathy (D-Billings) (Meets M,W,F, 3 p.m. Room McNally, Mary (D-Billings) Wolken, Cynthia (D-Missoula) Peppers, Rae (D-Lame Deer) Fitzpatrick, Steve (R-Great Falls) Knudsen, Austin (R-Culbertson) Jacobson, Tom (D-Great Falls) Blasdel, Mark (R-Kalispell) Shaw, Ray (R-Sheridan) Lamm, Debra (R-Livingston) 422) Moe, Mary Sheehy (D-Great Tropila, Mitch (D-Great Falls) Hunter, Chuck (D-Helena) Laszloffy, Sarah (R-Billings) Lavin, Steve (R-Kalispell) Phillips, Mike (D-Bozeman) Smith, Bridget (D-Wolf Point) Lavin, Steve (R-Kalispell) Falls) State Administration Tschida, Brad (R-Missoula) Kipp, George III (D-Heart Butte) MacDonald, Margie (D-Billings) Lieser, Ed (D-Whitefish) Brown, Taylor (R-Huntley) – Wagoner, Kirk (R-Montana City) Mandeville, Forrest (R-Columbus) Sands, Diane (D-Missoula) (Meets M, W, F, 3 p.m. Room Woods, Tom (D-Bozeman) Knudsen, Austin (R-Culbertson) Miller, Mike (R-Helmville) McClafferty, Edie (D-Butte) Chair Health & Human Services White, Kerry (R-Bozeman) McConnell, Nate (D-Missoula) Swandal, Nels (R-Wilsall) 335) Lang, Mike (R-Malta) Randall, Lee (R-Broadus) Olszewski, Albert (R-Kalispell) Blasdel, Mark (R-Kalispell) – (Meets M-F, 8 a.m. Room 102) Pope, Christopher (D-Bozeman) Vincent, Chas (R-Libby) Appropriations/Finance & Claims Moore, David (Doc) (R-Missoula) Regier, Keith (R-Kalispell) Randall, Lee (R-Broadus) Vice Chair Webb, Roger (R-Billings) – Vice Brown, Dee (R-Hungry Horse) Human Services Ricci, Vince (R-Laurel) Joint Subcommittees: Noland, Mark (R-Bigfork) Williams, Kathleen (D-Bozeman) Redfield, Alan (R-Livingston) Arntzen, Elsie (R-Billings) Chair – Chair (Meets M, W, F, 3 p.m. Room 152) Richmond, Tom (R-Billings) Legislative Administration Olsen, Andrea (D-Missoula) Wittich, Art (R-Bozeman) Schwaderer, Nicholas (R-Superior) Cohenour, Jill (D-East Helena) Caferro, Mary (D-Helena) Webb, Roger (R-Billings) – Vice Education Schwaderer, Nicholas (R-Superior) (On call) Pierson, Gordon (D-Deer Lodge) Wittich, Art (R-Bozeman) – Chair Woods, Tom (D-Bozeman) Smith, Bridget (D-Wolf Point) Facey, Tom (D-Missoula) Keenan, Bob (R-Bigfork) Chair (Meets M-F, 8 a.m.) Steenberg, Tom (D-Missoula) Pope, Christopher (D-Bozeman) Wagoner, Kirk (R-Montana City) – White, Kerry (R-Bozeman) Hansen, Kristin (R-Havre) Fielder, Jennifer (R-Thompson Driscoll, Robyn (D-Billings) Wilson, Nancy (D-Missoula) Hollandsworth, Rep. Roy (R-Brady) Ricci, Vince (R-Laurel) Vice Chair State Administration Wilson, Nancy (D-Missoula) Jones, Llew (R-Conrad) Judicial Branch, Law Falls) - Chair Hinkle, Jedediah (R-Bozeman) Zolnikov, Daniel (R-Billings) - Chair Richmond, Tom (R-Billings) Hill, Ellie Boldman (D-Missoula) – (Meets M-F, 8 a.m. Room 455) Zolnikov, Daniel (R-Billings) Keenan, Bob (R-Bigfork) Enforcement and Justice Brown, Taylor (R-Huntley) – Kary, Doug (R-Billings) Jones, Sen. Llew (R-Conrad) – Vice Salomon, Daniel (R-Ronan) Vice Chair Moe, Mary Sheehy (D-Gt. Falls) (Meets M-F, 8 a.m. Room 335) Vice Chair Malek, Sue (D-Missoula) Chair Berglee, Seth (R-Joliet) Natural Resources and Essmann, Jeff (R-Billings) – Chair Stewart-Peregoy, Sharon Pomnichowski, JP (D-Bozeman) Staffanson, Scott (R-Sidney) Transportation Hansen, Kristin (R-Havre) – Whitford, Lea (D-Cut Bank) Hamlett, Sen. Bradley Maxon Doane, Alan (R-Bloomfield) Transportation Harris, Bill (R-Winnett) – Vice Chair (D-Crow Agency) Tutvedt, Bruce (R-Kalispell) Steenberg, Tom (D-Missoula) (Meets M, W, F, 3 p.m. Room 455) Vice Chair (D-Cascade) Eck, Jenny (D-Helena) Schreiner, Casey (D-Great Falls) – Vuckovich, Gene (D-Anaconda) Taxation (Meets M, W, F, 3 p.m. Room 317C) Howard, David (R-Park City) Jones, Rep. Donald (R-Billings) Harris, Bill (R-Winnett) Vice Chair Lavin, Steve (R-Kalispell) – Chair Energy and (M-F, 8 a.m. Room 405) Education White, Kerry (R-Bozeman) – Chair Wolken, Cynthia (D-Missoula) Moore, Sen. Eric (R-Miles City) Hayman, Denise (D-Bozeman) Bennett, Bryce (D-Missoula) Clark, Christy (R- Choteau) – Vice Telecommunications Local Government (Meets M,W,F, 3 p.m. Room 137) Fitzpatrick, Steve (R-Great Falls) – Tutvedt, Bruce (R-Kalispell) – Woods, Rep. Tom (D-Bozeman) Hess, Stephanie (R-Havre) Brown, Bob (R-Thompson Falls) Chair (Meets Tu, Th, 3 p.m.) (Meets M, W, F, 3 p.m. Rm 405) Vice Chair Long Range Planning Chair Laszloffy, Sarah (R-Billings) – Chair Jacobson, Tom (D-Great Falls) Funk, Moffie (D-Helena) Wilson, Nancy (D-Missoula) – Vice General Government Lieser, Ed (D-Whitefish) – Vice Chair Webb, Roger (R-Billings) – (Meets M-F, 8 a.m.) Taylor, Janna (R-Dayton) – Chair Thomas, Fred (R-Stevensville) Lamm, Debra (R-Livingston) – Vice Karjala, Jessica (D-Billings) Garner, Frank (R-Kalispell) Chair (Meets M-F, 8 a.m.) Bennett, Jerry (R-Libby) Chair Buttrey, Ed (R-Great Falls) – – Vice Chair Chair Mandeville, Forrest (R-Columbus) Greef, Edward (R-Florence) Cook, Rob (R-Conrad) Ripley, Rick (R-Wolf Creek) – Brown, Bob (R-Thompson Falls) Ankney, Duane (R-Colstrip) – Vice Chair Ankney, Duane (R-Colstrip) Osmundson, Rep. Ryan McClafferty, Edie (D-Butte) – Vice Olszewski, Albert (R-Kalispell) Hayman, Denise (D-Bozeman) Curdy, Willis (D-Missoula) Vice Chair Brown, Zach (D-Bozeman) Vice Chair Barrett, Dick (D-Missoula) Barrett, Dick (D-Missoula) (R-Buffalo) – Chair Chair Perry, Zac (D-Hungry Horse) Karjala, Jessica (D-Billings) Fiscus, Clayton (R-Billings) Smith, Cary (R-Billings) Court, Virginia (D-Billings) Blasdel, Mark (R-Kalispell) McNally, Mary (D-Billings) Blasdel, Mark (R-Kalispell) Taylor, Sen. Janna (R-Dayton) – Bennett, Bryce (D-Missoula) Pierson, Gordon (D-Deer Lodge) Lamm, Debra (R-Livingston) Garner, Frank (R-Kalispell) Windy Boy, Jonathan (D-Box Dunwell, Mary Ann (D-Helena) Connell, Pat (R-Hamilton) Pomnichowski, JP (D-Bozeman) Brown, Taylor (R-Huntley) Vice Chair Essmann, Jeff (R-Billings) Redfield, Alan (R-Livingston) Mandeville, Forrest (R-Columbus) Kipp, George III (D-Heart Butte) Elder) Flynn, Kelly (R-Townsend) Driscoll, Robyn (D-Billings) Sales, Scott (R-Bozeman) Cohenour, Jill (D-East Helena) Blasdel, Sen. Mark (R-Kalispell) Funk, Moffie (D-Helena) Ricci, Vince (R-Laurel) McKamey, Wendy (R-Great Falls) McKamey, Wendy (R-Great Falls) Manzella, Theresa (R-Hamilton) Jones, Llew (R-Conrad) Tutvedt, Bruce (R-Kalispell) Hoven, Brian (R-Great Falls) McCarthy, Rep. Kelly (D-Billings) Greef, Edward (R-Florence) Mortensen, Dale (R-Billings) Miller, Mike (R-Helmville) Natural Resources and McConnell, Nate (D-Missoula) Kary, Doug (R-Billings) Vance, Gordon (R-Belgrade) Kaufmann, Christine Phillips, Sen. Mike (D-Bozeman) Hertz, Greg (R-Polson) Judiciary Price, Jean (D-Great Falls) Randall, Lee (R-Broadus) Transportation Mortensen, Dale (R-Billings) Keane, Jim (D-Butte) Vuckovich, Gene (D-Anaconda) (D-Helena) Tschida, Rep. Brad (R-Missoula) Kelker, Kathy (D-Billings) (Meets M-F, 8 a.m. Room 137) Shaw, Ray (R-Sheridan) Smith, Bridget (D-Wolf Point) (Meets M-F, 8 a.m. Room Meyers, G. Bruce (R-Box Elder) Noland, Mark (R-Bigfork) Swanson, Kathy (D-Anaconda) Swanson, Kathy (D-Anaconda) Keenan, Bob (R-Bigfork) Malek, Sue (D-Missoula) Health & Human Services 317C) Natural Resources Monforton, Matthew (R-Bozeman) Bennett, Jerry (R-Libby) – Chair Olsen, Andrea (D-Missoula) Webber, Susan (D-Browning) Larsen, Cliff (D-Missoula) Pomnichowski, JP (D-Bozeman) (Meets M-F, 8 a.m.) (Meets M, W, F, 3 p.m. Rm 303) Price, Jean (D-Great Falls) Doane, Alan (R-Bloomfield) – Vice Regier, Keith (R-Kalispell) Wittich, Art (R-Bozeman) McNally, Mary (D-Billings) Brenden, John (R-Scobey) – Taylor, Janna (R-Dayton) Ehli, Rep. Ron (R-Hamilton) - Chair Salomon, Daniel (R-Ronan) Chair Shaw, Ray (R-Sheridan) Tutvedt, Bruce (R-Kalispell) Vice Chair Vincent, Chas (R-Libby) – Chair Webb, Sen. Roger (R-Billings) – Schwaderer, Nicholas (R-Superior) Court, Virginia (D-Billings) – Vice Staffanson, Scott (R-Sidney) Windy Boy, Jonathan (D-Box Keane, Jim (D-Butte) Ripley, Rick (R-Wolf Creek) – Vice Chair Webber, Susan (D-Browning) Chair Williams, Kathleen (D-Bozeman) Elder) Rosendale, Matt (R-Glendive) Vice Chair

The Plains Truth Winter 2015 Page 8 The Plains Truth Winter 2015 Page 9 2015 Legislative Primer 2014 resolutions

Passed by Northern Plains members at the NORTHERN PLAINS RESOURCE That Northern Plains Resource Council Bull Mountain Mining 43rd Annual Meeting, Nov. 14, 2014. COUNCIL, IN ANNUAL MEETING opposes Congress granting the President Resolution No. 2014 – 4 The importance of phone calls ASSEMBLED: “fast track” authority because we believe Trans-Pacific Partnership that trade agreements must have the full Introduced by Steve Charter at the request elena may be hours away from your but when you speak to someone, you are Resolution No. 2014 – 1 That Northern Plains Resource Council benefit of input from Congress and the of the Coal Task Force strongly opposes the Trans-Pacific citizens whom Congress represents. home, but your opinion can still be connecting in a much more personal way. A RESOLUTION OF THE MEMBERS WHAT YOU CAN DO Introduced by Jean Dahlman at the Partnership. heard at the State Capitol during OF NORTHERN PLAINS RESOURCE request of the Agriculture Task Force Tongue River Railroad H Calls are more important to our work than AND, BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED: COUNCIL CONCERNING SURFACE the Legislature. Can you volunteer from time to time Resolution No. 2014 – 3 most people realize. A RESOLUTION OF THE MEMBERS IMPACTS AND RECLAMATION to make phone calls? If so, please That Northern Plains Resource Council Phone calls are a quick, OF NORTHERN PLAINS RESOURCE Introduced by Jeanie Alderson at the request OF LANDS IMPACTED BY LONG- contact us today. will seek opportunities to work with allies Volunteering to call others helps Northern COUNCIL OPPOSING THE TRANS- WALL COAL MINING IN THE BULL easy way to volunteer and to oppose the Trans-Pacific Partnership. of the Tongue River Railroad Task Force Plains reach many people. When several PACIFIC PARTNERSHIP. MOUNTAINS AND OPPOSING ANY make a difference, during Just call Sarah at (406) 248-1154 STRIP MINING IN THE AREA. people volunteer to make 3-5 calls each, we AND, BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED: A RESOLUTION OF THE MEMBERS the Legislature and on or email [email protected]. WHEREAS, according to Global Trade can reach more than 200 members, such as OF NORTHERN PLAINS RESOURCE WHEREAS, the Bull Mountains, which lie other occasions. Calls help Thank you! Watch, the North American Free Trade That Northern Plains Resource Council COUNCIL OPPOSING THE north of Billings, Montana, are a unique with our legislative phone trees. By spending Agreement (NAFTA) and similar trade will submit a copy of this resolution to our us notify members about PERMITTING, CONSTRUCTION, geological and ecological region of our 20 minutes making calls, you can mobilize policies have resulted in approximately Montana Congressional delegation, state meetings, events, and AND OPERATION OF THE TONGUE state as well as an important agricultural a dozen people, without having to leave the think – such calls can sway a vote. 3.5 million lost jobs in the United States; legislators, and the Governor. RIVER RAILROAD. legislative news. Phone calls increased unemployment; reduced tax area where the local farmers and ranchers comfort of home. are a personal invitation to As a citizen, you are empowered and your revenue for schools, infrastructure, and Fast Track Trade Authority WHEREAS, Northern Plains has opposed have contributed significantly to the other critical public services; and lowered economic well-being of the State of participate and often are Phone calls help our work, and now is a legislative representative benefits from the building of the Tongue River Railroad wages and benefits of the remaining jobs; Resolution No. 2014 – 2 Montana for more than 100 years; and the deciding factor for your fellow members. hearing your point of view. (TRR) since it was first proposed in 1983; pivotal time to be involved. Your phone calls and Introduced by Bill Hand at the request of and WHEREAS, after many years of failed Emails and letters are easy to overlook, let legislators know what their constituents – Sarah Fitzgerald the Agriculture Task Force WHEREAS, these same trade agreements WHEREAS, Northern Plains, through development schemes by various corporate have also been devastating for working A RESOLUTION OF THE MEMBERS its lawsuits against the TRR, won a 2011 entities, Signal Peak Energy (SPE) began people in developing countries, forcing OF NORTHERN PLAINS RESOURCE Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals decision active long-wall coal mining under the Bull Lobbyists NEW TRAINING OUR PRIORITY BILLS countless family farmers off their land and COUNCIL OPPOSING FAST that meant that the flawed permitting and Mountains in 2008, stating that there would encouraging a global “race to the bottom” TRACK AND TRADE PROMOTION environmental analysis processes used in be little surface expression of the mine and Continued from Page 7 Northern Plains developed a in working conditions; and AUTHORITY. previous permit decisions by the Surface groundwater would likely not be affected; Landowner protection/oil & gas Transportation Board (STB) were voided, and new training this year, which we WHEREAS, international trade should WHEREAS, the proposed Trans-Pacific and the permitting and environmental “real.” We are not just a foundation- conducted on Jan. 10 in Billings, benefit all citizens and small businesses, WHEREAS, numerous and massive cracks SB 172: BASELINE WATER TESTING would Partnership (TPP) will be the world’s analysis processes had to start over; and supported organization of a few staff with to prepare citizen lobbyists more provide land and mineral owners within 1 mile largest trade agreement, with 11 countries including agriculture, and not primarily be on the land’s surface due to subsidence of the land overlying the underground a good website. We are an organization that thoroughly. of a proposed oil or gas well the ability to have already included, and will contain a designed to benefit large multi-national WHEREAS, in October 2012 the Tongue corporations; and long-wall panels have been observed for a is truly made up of their groundwater tested by a third party before “docking” mechanism that will allow River Railroad Company (TRRC) filed and after development. The testing costs would additional countries to join; and an application with the STB to build a number of years, and these cracks present Staff and members taught WHEREAS, trade agreements now being our members, and a be paid by the drilling industry applicant. railroad from the proposed Otter Creek a significant safety problem for livestock participants about the legislative negotiated, including the Trans-Pacific good number of those WHEREAS, a number of the current coal mine area near Ashland, Montana, and humans and also reduce the land’s Montana 2015 SB 173: INCREASE OIL & GAS BONDING Partnership (TPP) and Trans-Atlantic members are highly process as well as the policy TPP negotiating countries have deplorable north to the existing Burlington Northern productive value; and would protect taxpayers by increasing Trade Investment Partnership (TTIP), Legislature details of our proactive legislation. labor standards, with some banning Santa Fe east-west rail line via numerous involved. By coming to Montana’s bonding requirements for wells, no have potentially harmful consequences WHEREAS, area groundwater supplies independent trade unions and promoting alternative routes; and Helena to be a citizen less than $60,000 for most. Operators would themselves as low-cost labor alternatives for ordinary citizens, small businesses, and numerous long-relied-upon springs, and Everyone had an opportunity to try also be required to place $5,000 per inactive lobbyist, you reinforce to China; and the environment by lowering labor and WHEREAS, only after the STB initiated impacts to the flow of some of those their hand at chasing down and well in escrow or pay annual idle well fees. springs have been recorded since mining our positive reputation, environmental standards and undermining the public scoping process, held ten public talking to “legislators” (some of us SB 177: OIL AND GAS SETBACKS would WHEREAS, there is no indication that U.S. the democratic process; and began; and and you show legislators hearings on the application, and ended the who were assigned roles to play) protect rural landowners by prohibiting drilling negotiators have advocated that the TPP public comment period in early December WHEREAS, under “fast track” authority, WHEREAS, the Bull Mountain Land that our staff lobbyist is within 1,000 feet of surface water, water wells, include enforceable labor standards based 2012 did the TRRC submit a supplemental in the halls of the “Capitol” (our the U.S. Trade Representative negotiates Alliance filed a lawsuit against the Bureau there on behalf of real or dwellings. on core International Labor Organization application that included an entirely office, Home on the Range). the terms of trade agreements with of Land Management (BLM) in 2012 conventions regarding child labor, forced new preferred route that had not been Montanans. When our other countries in secretive, closed-door alleging that the BLM failed to look at the Clean energy/net metering labor, freedom from discrimination, and the discussed, the Colstrip Alternative; and paid staff lobbyist tells a Evaluations came back positive, right to organize; and meetings; and impacts that coal mining is having – and SB 182: NEIGHBORHOOD NET METERING legislator that he speaks so we’ll be offering this training WHEREAS, in order for the privately will continue to have – on the ranching allows individuals and businesses to invest WHEREAS, hundreds of corporate for the many Montanans WHEREAS, leaked TPP documents reveal owned, for-profit TRR, which is being operations of Bull Mountain landowners again prior to future legislatures. in a large, shared renewable energy system lobbyists have been granted official that U.S. negotiators have advocated for built in order to haul coal from a private, when it approved a mine permit who are members of that is not necessarily on their own property. “trade advisor status” in TPP and provisions that will allow transnational for-profit coal mine to West Coast amendment that leased additional federal Northern Plains, it is The second will be February 18 and is This would allow anyone to get credit on TTIP negotiations while the general corporations to challenge U.S. and other terminals for export to Asia, to receive a coal to SPE; and focused on our clean energy bills that their energy bill for the proportion or share public is excluded from seeing what is the involvement of countries’ laws, regulations, and court permit, the STB must determine that this of the energy system that they own. This bill being proposed until negotiations have WHEREAS, this federal permit also allows members that give remove some of the artificial barriers to net decisions as “regulatory takings” and will railroad meets the “public convenience increases access to solar energy for renters, provide for a private tribunal system that concluded and the agreement is signed, SPE to mine multiple coal seams under the credibility to what he metering. Please join us if you can… no and necessity” standard; and people whose properties are not ideal because circumvents the authority of domestic thereby eliminating the opportunity to area, which would compound the surface experience necessary! We do a preparation says. of shaded rooftops or otherwise, as well as judicial systems, thereby threatening future make changes; and WHEREAS, the STB permit would grant cracks and impacts to ground water already session the evening before in Helena, and people who cannot afford the upfront cost of a environmental, consumer safety, labor, and the TRR the right of eminent domain; and seen; and Northern Plains believes we pair up each new citizen lobbyist with a full installation. financial rules and other democratically WHEREAS, “fast track” authority usurps the constitutional responsibility of WHEREAS, under SMCRA [Surface that when citizens come more experienced partner. HB 192: INCREASE NET-METERED CAP enacted public-interest regulations; and WHEREAS, the power of eminent Congress to debate, amend, and approve Mining Control and Reclamation Act], together democratically would encourage more business investment domain was established to allow WHEREAS, leaked TPP documents trade agreements; and surface owner consent is required before to advocate for change, If you’d like to do some citizen lobbying, in renewable energy systems by increasing governments to take private property (with further reveal U.S. negotiators advocating just compensation) for public uses. strip mining of federal coal on private land using their own voices, but February 18 doesn’t work for you, don’t the cap on system size. The current cap is 50 WHEREAS, because trade agreements is permitted, but surface owner consent kilowatts. This bill would increase the cap to for provisions that will extend the length let that stop you. We would love to host you take precedence over federal, state, and NOW THEREFORE BE IT is not yet protected when federal coal is good things happen. 1 megawatt. This would benefit businesses, of drug patents, thereby reducing access to Number of Republicans and at the Capitol on a different day. We’ll get affordable generic medications; and municipal laws, “fast track” authority RESOLVED BY THE MEMBERS OF traded; and Therefore, just like in universities, and other large property owners. enables any public-interest policies Democrats in the Legislature. you set up to talk to a few key legislators NORTHERN PLAINS RESOURCE past sessions, we worked SB 134: ALLOW AGGREGATE NET METERING: WHEREAS, U.S. trade negotiators have to be modified or eliminated without COUNCIL, IN ANNUAL MEETING WHEREAS, political and corporate hard to coordinate a pair on whatever might be both timely and of Under current law, each renewable energy granted approximately 600 corporate public input associated with democratic ASSEMBLED: efforts to enable a trade of federal coal of really effective Lobby Days for you to take interest to you. Heck, you could even try system has to have a separate meter. This lobbyists access to the TPP negotiating processes. resources under landowners in the Bull That Northern Plains Resource Council Mountains to private entities interested in part in. your hand at giving public testimony at a proposal would make renewable energy more texts while at the same time refusing the accessible to farms, universities, and housing American people the right to know what NOW THEREFORE BE IT remains adamantly and unequivocally developing a coal strip mine are ongoing; committee hearing! Please let us know when RESOLVED BY THE MEMBERS OF opposed to the permitting, construction, and and The first was on January 28 and it focused projects with multiple electric meters by has been proposed. you can help out in these ways. allowing them to apply net metering credits NORTHERN PLAINS RESOURCE operation of the Tongue River Railroad. WHEREAS, strip mining in the Bull on our bills to protect landowners in the from one renewable energy system to all their NOW THEREFORE BE IT COUNCIL, IN ANNUAL MEETING RESOLVED BY THE MEMBERS OF ASSEMBLED: face of oil and gas development. – Olivia Stockman Splinter electrical meters. Continued on Page 11

The Plains Truth Winter 2015 Page 10 The Plains Truth Winter 2015 Page 11 2014 RESOLUTIONS 2014 RESOLUTIONS

which stated that the BER acted properly of oil being produced at a well, but the U.S. but it also means that Bakken oil is easier That Northern Plains Resource Council ANNUAL MEETING ASSEMBLED: States, accounting for roughly one-third of COUNCIL TO CHANGE MONTANA Resolutions when it determined that enforceable Energy Information Administration (EIA) to ignite because its flash point (the lowest supports policies that transition America all domestic greenhouse gas emissions; and, LAW TO ALLOW COMMUNITY numeric standards were needed to regulate is not confident that those estimates are temperature at which it can ignite) is lower away from finite, polluting, fossil fuels That Northern Plains Resource Council SOLAR AND WIND SYSTEMS, ALSO Continued from Page 11 methane development and that the state accurate. than other grades of oils; and to more energy-efficient, renewable, and supports federal reforms that give the WHEREAS, energy efficiency has proven KNOWN AS NEIGHBORHOOD NET was warranted to take proactive measures sustainable energy sources that are cleaner Surface Transportation Board (STB) greater to be the least costly energy source, METERING. NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED WHEREAS, Bakken crude oil contains authority to oversee, direct, and regulate rail and carbon-neutral renewable energy Mountains is prohibited in the BLM’s 1984 to protect water quality, and this ruling and cheaper. BY THE MEMBERS OF NORTHERN a high concentration of volatile organic service in our region and the nation. technologies exist that are, in many cases, WHEREAS, the distributed generation Billings Area Resource Management Plan. was subsequently upheld in 2008 by the Montana Supreme Court; and PLAINS RESOURCE COUNCIL, IN compounds like toluene, zylene, and AND, BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED: economically advantageous; and of wind and solar energy provides social AND, BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED: NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED ANNUAL MEETING ASSEMBLED: benzene, which are highly explosive; and and economic benefits by using renewable WHEREAS, the water quality numeric That Northern Plains Resource Council WHEREAS, current regulatory policy sources of energy, reducing peak demand BY THE MEMBERS OF NORTHERN That Northern Plains Resource Council standard determined for EC for tributary That Northern Plains Resource Council is WHEREAS, there have been numerous expose the costs and effects that transporting does not provide incentives for utilities, for electricity, and reducing transmission PLAINS RESOURCE COUNCIL, IN supports initiating a docket (proceeding) at streams was 500 microsiemens/centimeter opposed to the flaring of Montana’s natural explosive train derailments involving oil and gas by rail has on Montanans, our power plants, and other power producers to losses; and ANNUAL MEETING ASSEMBLED: the STB to examine the growing problem (µS/cm) and, in 2011, the Montana gas resources both because of the revenue transport of Bakken oil including the July communities, and our future. reduce carbon pollution or require them to that increased oil and coal shipments are That Northern Plains Resource Council will Department of Environmental Quality lost as well as the associated harm caused 2013 train explosion in Lac Megantic, internalize the costs of that pollution; and, WHEREAS, these benefits include dramatic having on rail system capacity and service as continue to support and defend the ranchers (DEQ) supported those standards with to Montanans and the environment by this Quebec, Canada, that killed 47 people to Surface Transportation reductions in air pollution, global carbon well as impacts to local communities in our WHEREAS, the external costs of carbon and private property owners of the Bull the rationale that even if natural ambient practice. the December 2013 train collision and emissions, and the substantial land and water Board Reform region. emissions are ignored by current policies Mountains in their efforts to ensure that the conditions in a tributary stream are higher explosion near Casselton, North Dakota, impacts associated with coal extraction; and AND, BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED: and artificially extend our dependence on long-wall coal mining occurring under their than 500 µS/cm then the provisions of the that resulted in the town’s evacuation and a Resolution No. 2014 – 8 Cut Carbon Pollution fossil fuels; threaten our clean air, water, and WHEREAS, the cost of electricity from lands does not negatively impact the surface of Montana Water Quality Act (MCA 75-5- fire that burned for days to the April 2014 That Northern Plains Resource Council Introduced by Beth Kaeding at the request the public health with increased pollution; large solar photovoltaic arrays and wind the land or the water resources of the area. 306) would apply; and derailment, explosion, and subsequent fire Resolution No. 2014 – 9 calls on the State of Montana to require of the Coal Task Force and leave taxpayers to bear costs of carbon installations is cost competitive with, or of a train in the middle of Lynchburg, Introduced by Ben Reed at the request of oil-and-gas companies to pay full royalties emissions and climate disruption; and, less expensive than, fossil fuel-generated AND, BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED: WHEREAS, in order to more easily permit Virginia; and A RESOLUTION OF THE MEMBERS the Clean Energy Task Force and the Coal to all mineral owners, public or private, on electricity from central plants, even when the Otter Creek Coal Mine, the Montana OF NORTHERN PLAINS RESOURCE Task Force all natural gas (methane) emitted through WHEREAS, approximately 70% of WHEREAS, in the absence of market renewable energy incentives and fossil fuel- That Northern Plains will oppose any swap DEQ is now considering petitioning the COUNCIL SUPPORTING REFORM OF of federal mineral rights without the right flaring as a byproduct of oil production the nation’s rail tanker cars transporting signals that internalize the costs of global externalized costs are not included; and BER to change the water quality numeric THE SURFACE TRANSPORTATION A RESOLUTION OF THE MEMBERS of surface owner consent clearly stated in whether authorized or not. crude oil are DOT-111 unpressurized warming, a regulatory mechanism is needed standards for salinity for Otter Creek. BOARD. OF NORTHERN PLAINS RESOURCE that swap. tank cars that, according to the National to dramatically decrease carbon emissions; WHEREAS, despite these social, AND, BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED: COUNCIL IN SUPPORT OF FEDERAL and environmental, and economic advantages, NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED Transportation Safety Board, “almost always WHEREAS, in the early 1970s the railroad AND, BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED: RULES TO CUT CARBON POLLUTION current Montana net-metering law prevents BY THE MEMBERS OF NORTHERN That Northern Plains Resource Council calls [can] be expected to breach in derailments industry was deregulated and, in 1995, the FROM POWER PLANTS UNDER THE WHEREAS, the costs of carbon reduction solar photovoltaic arrays and wind PLAINS RESOURCE COUNCIL, IN on the State of Montana to ensure that the that involve pileups or multiple car-to-car powerful Interstate Commerce Commission That Northern Plains will oppose any coal CLEAN AIR ACT, SECTION 111(d). can be favorably balanced against the costs installations from being configured in a way ANNUAL MEETING ASSEMBLED: amount of gas that is flared, vented, and/or impacts;” and (ICC) was abolished and Congress created strip mining in the Bull Mountains. of global warming to individual, business, that will benefit many Montanans; and leaked is measured rather than estimated on the Surface Transportation Board (STB) WHEREAS, the members of Northern That Northern Plains Resource Council WHEREAS, these additional Bakken state, national, and global economies; and the basis of the amount of oil produced or to oversee the railroads, but with less Plains endorsed the implementation of Otter Creek Salinity opposes any change to the water quality crude oil trains moving through Montana WHEREAS, the National Renewable sold and that this gas is fully taxed. regulatory authority than the ICC; and conservation and renewable energy sources WHEREAS, it is the purpose of all Resolution No. 2014 – 5 numeric standards for electrical conductivity would not only increase the potential Energy Laboratory (NREL) found in 2008 on a broad national scale and through governments to advance the well-being of that only 22-27% of residential roofs are (EC) and sodium adsorption ratio (SAR) for catastrophic explosive derailments in WHEREAS, since the 1970s, consolidation Introduced by Mark Fix at the Request of Oil Train Impacts Montana’s rural electric cooperatives as early their citizens; and, appropriate for solar arrays because of that were established for Otter Creek (a our communities but would also increase in the rail industry has resulted in many the Coal Task Force Resolution No. 2014 – 7 as the 8th Annual Meeting in 1979; and structural, shading, or ownership issues; and tributary of the Tongue River) by the Board the amount of diesel fumes and other areas of the country, including Montana, WHEREAS, the U.S. Environmental of Environmental Review (BER) in 2003 Introduced by Joan Kresich and Roxa Reller airborne pollutants that are known health A RESOLUTION OF THE MEMBERS being served by (essentially) a single WHEREAS, as early as the 5th Annual Protection Agency’s proposed Clean WHEREAS, the installed cost of larger and 2006. at the request of Yellowstone Bend Citizens risks, present additional barriers to traffic OF NORTHERN PLAINS RESOURCE major railroad with the consequence that Meeting in 1976, the members of Northern Power Plan respects the rights of states solar arrays (25 kilowatt [kW]) arrays or Council and Sleeping Giant Citizens Council and emergency personnel, and intensify COUNCIL OPPOSING CHANGING agricultural producers and other commercial Plains called for the State of Montana to to self-determine their own particular greater) is currently 30-50% lower per kW THE WATER QUALITY STANDARD Natural Gas Flaring problems with local infrastructure that will shippers effectively face a monopoly with implementation plan; and, A RESOLUTION OF THE MEMBERS adopt standards to prevent the degradation than small arrays because of improved FOR SALINITY FOR OTTER CREEK. Resolution No. 2014 - 6 add a tax burden to Montanans; and regard to the control of rail commerce and OF NORTHERN PLAINS RESOURCE of Montana’s air; and economies of scale; and service; and WHEREAS, the members of Northern Introduced by Terry Punt at the request of COUNCIL CONCERNING THE WHEREAS, agriculture is Montana’s largest WHEREAS, the strip mining of coal severs WHEREAS, as recently as recently as Plains Resource Council have long- WHEREAS, current Montana net-metering the Oil and Gas Task Force IMPACTS OF OIL TRAIN TRAFFIC industry (in terms of money generated from underground aquifers contained in coal WHEREAS, since 2011 dramatic increases in the 32nd Annual Meeting in 2003, the expressed support for federal and state law has barriers to community renewable THROUGH OUR COMMUNITIES IN services and products), and these additional seams; and A RESOLUTION OF THE MEMBERS the number of trains that are carrying oil from members of Northern Plains resolved to energy policies that include robust energy systems because of the way net- MONTANA. Bakken crude oil trains are significantly OF NORTHERN PLAINS RESOURCE the Bakken oil fields and coal for export from fight for renewable energy resources and renewable energy and energy efficiency metering provisions were written and WHEREAS, this water is the same water negatively affecting agriculture by delaying COUNCIL OPPOSING THE FLARING the Powder River Basin are creating significant conservation of energy resources as part programs. enacted, including requirements that a that the coal bed methane industry pumps WHEREAS, in the last 10 years crude oil the shipment of agricultural products and OF MONTANA’S NATURAL GAS congestion and breakdowns in service, which of the federal energy bill, and, at the 35th renewable energy installation: from the coal seams to release the hydrostatic production in North Dakota’s Bakken oil commodities, such as fertilizer and grain; and NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED RESERVES AND DEMANDING THAT considerably affects agricultural producers and Annual Meeting in 2006, called on the • Must be located on the property of benefit, pressure, allowing the capture of methane gas; field has increased to more than one million BY THE MEMBERS OF NORTHERN ANY GAS FLARED AS A BYPRODUCT other shippers as well as passenger service; and State of Montana to focus its energy and • Cannot be larger than 50 kW, and and barrels/day; and WHEREAS, the Northern Plains' goal is to PLAINS RESOURCE COUNCIL, IN OF OIL DRILLING BE MEASURED economic priorities on achievement of • Cannot offset multiple meters; and protect our land, water, and communities WHEREAS, current rail congestion issues ANNUAL MEETING ASSEMBLED: AND FULLY TAXED. WHEREAS, according to data from the widespread energy efficiency gains; and WHEREAS, the excessive levels of sodium by ensuring that viable and realistic energy have also resulted in increased shipping Association of American Railroads, U.S. WHEREAS, removing these barriers makes and other salts in these coal seam waters will alternatives to fossil fuels are supported, costs for agricultural producers along with, That Northern Plains Resource Council WHEREAS, during the production of oil, crude oil shipments increased from less WHEREAS, the reality of human-caused renewable energy accessible to a much change the physical, biological, and chemical promoted, and transitioned to as soon as often, an inability for those agricultural supports the U.S. Environmental Protection natural gas (methane) is a byproduct of the than 10,000 tank car loads/year in 2008 to global warming has been affirmed by the broader array of users, including renters, integrity of the surface waters of Montana possible. producers to get crops and products to Agency’s proposed Clean Power Plan, which drilling process and that gas is often burned approximately 400,000 tank car loads in International Panel on Climate Change, 97% apartment dwellers, other multi-family units, and harm the aquatic life therein as well as market in a timely manner; and of climate scientists, and national scientific will help cut carbon emissions from the off (or “flared”) rather than captured and 2013, with much of that increase due to NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED and homeowners with shaded roofs; and the soils, native vegetation, and crops of academies worldwide; and power sector by 30 percent from 2005 levels transported to market, which results in the light crude moving from the Bakken oil BY THE MEMBERS OF NORTHERN Montana; and WHEREAS, the STB is currently by 2030 based on state-specific goals and WHEREAS, these users are currently denied waste of a resource; and fields; and PLAINS RESOURCE COUNCIL, IN considering a permit for a proposed new WHEREAS, in the event that sufficient state-determined implementation plans. the opportunity to participate in the clean- WHEREAS, the Board of Environmental ANNUAL MEETING ASSEMBLED: rail line in southeastern Montana that is WHEREAS, drilling companies are not WHEREAS, the dramatic increase in action is not taken to reduce carbon energy economy and are forced to buy Review (BER) approved necessary water primarily for the transport of coal to the emissions, the world will experience severe AND, BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED: required to pay royalties on gas that is flared, crude oil train traffic already seen through That Northern Plains Resource Council fossil-fuel power from corporate monopoly quality numeric standards for salinity (EC) West Coast for export, and this rail line disruptions to ecosystems, species diversity, which means that mineral owners and tax Montana rail line communities is projected supports policies that ensure that the full That Northern Plains Resource Council utilities. and sodicity (SAR) in 2003 to protect would significantly add to the increased human economies, and societal well-being; payers lose out on revenue because state to reach as many as 22 crude oil trains each costs of transporting crude oil, including calls on Montana’s government officials, biological, agricultural, and recreational volume of rail traffic throughout the and NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED governments and federal land managers do day, according to the 2014 report Heavy the risks to health, life, safety, and the legislators, and agencies to comply with uses for Rosebud Creek and the Tongue regional system; and BY THE MEMBERS OF NORTHERN not collect taxes or royalties on this flared Traffic Still Ahead, in addition to the train environment as well as the costs to upgrade the proposed Clean Power Plan and enact and Powder Rivers and their tributaries, WHEREAS, these disruptions will result in PLAINS RESOURCE COUNCIL, IN natural gas; and traffic already occurring; and local infrastructure to accommodate the such legislation, rules, and standards that including Otter Creek, from discharges of WHEREAS, the increase in the number of the loss of vital ecosystem functions, food ANNUAL MEETING ASSEMBLED: coal bed methane wastewater; and increased rail traffic, are borne by the oil trains through our cities and towns results in are necessary to reduce Montana’s carbon WHEREAS, more than 250 toxins have WHEREAS, Montana transportation production, water resources, natural and companies and shippers, railroads, and life, health, and safety issues for Montanans pollution, promote energy conservation and That Northern Plains Resource Council will been identified as being produced and corridors tend to run parallel to waterways human-built habitats, and the life forms WHEREAS, in 2006, the BER removed overseas customers. and will require massive investments in energy efficiency, and increase the generation work with its members and allies to pass released during flaring, including benzene, (rivers, streams, and lakes) where an oil these habitats support; and the exemption to the 2003 EC and SAR infrastructure to address, which will add a of clean, renewable energy sources. legislation in Montana that removes legal naphthalene, styrene, toluene, and xylene; and spill would be difficult to adequately and AND, BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED: standards that prevented them from being financial burden to Montana taxpayers; and WHEREAS, agriculture is Montana’s barriers to community solar and wind systems. completely clean up and, thus, would have viewed as harmful parameters, thus making WHEREAS, humans, animals (livestock, number one economy and Montana’s Net Metering lasting, negative ecological impacts on the That Northern Plains Resource Council the standards applicable under non- wildlife, and pets), crops, and vegetation WHEREAS, the STB currently has minimal farmers and ranchers depend on normal AND, BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED: hydrologic system sustaining the waterway supports local and state policies that Resolution No. 2014 – 10 degradation rules addressed under Section are affected and sometimes harmed by the oversight authority to incorporate those variations in climate that are free of extreme and its associated riparian zone and possibly protect Montana communities and other Introduced by Ed Gulick at the request of That Northern Plains Resource Council 303 of the Montana Water Quality Act; and chemicals produced by flaring; and impacts into its permitting decision. weather events for their livelihoods; and beyond; and communities from crude oil train impacts. the Clean Energy Task Force will work with its allies to educate the WHEREAS, the numeric standards WHEREAS, the amount of gas being flared NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED WHEREAS, power plants are the largest voting public on the social, economic, and WHEREAS, Bakken crude oil is classified AND, BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED: A RESOLUTION OF THE MEMBERS established by the BER were upheld by has been estimated based on the amount BY THE MEMBERS OF NORTHERN source of carbon pollution in the United environmental benefits of community solar a Montana District Court ruling in 2007, as “light,” which means it is easier to refine, PLAINS RESOURCE COUNCIL, IN OF NORTHERN PLAINS RESOURCE and wind systems.

The Plains Truth Winter 2015 Page 12 The Plains Truth Winter 2015 Page 13 council roundup council roundup

SPA on petition drive Sleeping Giant posts New chemical plant Carbon County rescinds for landowner zone rail letters success of concern to DRC tillwater Protective Association n October, the Fossil Fuel awson Resource Council members continue their work citizen-initiated zoning S Transport Committee of the members have begun to collecting petitions to create a citizen- I D Sleeping Giant Citizens Council asked consider what they can do to protect initiated zone in southern Stillwater n mid-December, the Carbon County petition to create the Silvertip zone. the Lewis and Clark City-County water rights as a chemical plant is built County that would provide landown- Commissioners gave the go-ahead for local Board of Health to vote on two in West Glendive. The company has Carbon County Resource Council members took ers with protections in the case of oil residents to create a citizen-initiated zone letters related to the health and safety filed an application for drilling wells I action a year ago when Energy Corporation of and gas development. To date, SPA and plans on using 39 million gallons We have a to protect landowners from unchecked oil and impacts of increased coal train traffic. America (ECA) announced it would drill along has collected 44% of the 605 total break right gas development. Commissioners found that the The Board passed both letters, to be per year. Air quality and emergency the Beartooth Front. The Hunt Creek well signatures needed to request the zone. zone is “in the public interest and convenience sent to Montana Rail Link and the response are also concerns. now, with was drilled last summer near Belfry, and ECA – Hannah Hostetter for public health, safety and welfare, and for federal Surface Transportation Board. oil prices announced to landowners and the Board of Oil And, members living near the Oaks low. That’s public infrastructure.” Talks completed on ” and Gas Conservation that it was ready to begin Additionally, SGCC members landfill solid waste facility are reporting why it’s Yet, on January 15, they reversed their decision. horizontal hydraulic fracturing, or “fracking.” convinced the City Commission to truck spills to the Dawson Emergency new Benbow portal Catherine Logan, left, of Emigrant and Joan Kresich of Livingston, members important to However, oil prices plummeted and ECA has send a letter to the Army Corps of Services, which has not been taking the The “Silvertip” zone would cover more than embers of the Stillwater of Yellowstone Bend Citizens Council, show off the 2014 Annual Meeting put the zone since announced it would not pursue further Engineers requesting that potential award for an affiliate with the greatest percentage of new members. spills seriously, even though the liquid 2,000 acres north of Belfry. It would create basic Oversight Committee in place, so development of the Hunt Creek well. M impacts to Helena be included in the residual waste is contaminating the landowner protections for air, water, and land, completed negotiations of the long- environmental review for proposed River Railroad. The Committee has roadways and ditches. when the setback requirements, and give landowners a Bonnie Martinell, an organic farmer in the zone, awaited Benbow Mitigation Plan in Beartooth Alliance West Coast coal ports. also begun to engage DEQ around next boom voice in the development on their property. said the zone is necessary to protect landowners December. DRC recently sent a letter to the air quality monitoring issues near the ends tailings project hits we’ll when oil and gas development picks up again. SGCC also has formed a Clean Energy owner of Oaks landfill about a set of Carbon County Commissioner John Prinkki The plan provides assurance to railroad tracks in Livingston. have rules in She said in a Billings Gazette op-ed, “We have a Committee. The Committee has plans n 2001, Beartooth Alliance made concerns. clarified that, in light of the six protestors against community members that potential place. break right now, with oil prices low. That’s why to lobby for regulations that encourage While NorthWestern Energy reviews plans to clean up the McLaren the zone, representing over 50% of the acreage issues stemming from Stillwater I – Olivia Stockman Splinter it’s important to put the zone in place, so when clean energy and to raise funds for a the Livingston Food Pantry solar tailings pond, a leftover mess from the – Bonnie of the zone, they would not create it. The Mining Company’s pending Martinell the next boom hits we’ll have rules in place.” solar installation on a prominent Helena project proposal, the Clean Energy gold mining days. The McLaren dam Commission also no longer considered the zone development of a mine portal near Bear Creek Council building. Committee has decided to work was leaching waste into Soda Butte to be in the public interest. 68 percent of the Benbow will be addressed swiftly by elects new officers on Northern Plains’ net metering Creek, killing the fish population and landowners (13 of 19) within the zone signed the – Maggie Zaback the company. – Ella Smith legislative priorities during the 2015 the fishing tourism around Cooke ear Creek Council members held In addition, the plan provides for YVCC talks tracks legislative session. City. Btheir Annual Holiday Party in strict traffic limits on area roads, December, and elected Nathan Varley Through persistence and increased monitoring for and to local politicians Committee members garnered as the new President. Nathan is a “It’s a blatant example of a rich and powerful endorsements for the proposed bills determination, Beartooth Alliance responses to local water quality n December, Yellowstone Valley wildlife biologist and runs a wildlife Public lands corporation writing a law to give itself a massive from a whopping 65 businesses worked with Yellowstone Park, the concerns, and a framework to limit Citizen Council’s Coal Export tourism business, The Wildside, with Continued from Page 1 handout,” said Charter, who ranches over I and elected officials in Livingston state, and the federal government the impact of waste rock disposal in Committee met with more than 10 his wife. some of the coal exchanged by the legislation. and Park County, and plan to lobby to clean up the site and restore the the area. elected officials to discuss the increase a land and minerals mega-corporation spun “Our delegation chose a massive, out-of-state legislators in support of the bills stream to its natural beauty. The Leo Leckie is in rail traffic Billings would face if the off from the Burlington Northern Railroad in corporation over the livelihoods and property As the Good Neighbor Agreement during the session. stream now flows with cutthroat the new Vice Our 1992, in exchange for other coal in southeastern rights of multi-generational Montana ranching approaches its 15th anniversary, the Tongue River Railroad is constructed. trout, and the old tailing pond is a President. Leo is delegation families, like mine, and they did so at the cost of – Colin Lauderdale reclaimed park with grass and trees. Montana. The exchange presented a massive Benbow Mitigation Plan highlights Discussions focused on strategies the Development chose a tens of millions of dollars for Montana roads BA is planning a celebration of its windfall to GNP, which gave up low-quality coal the continued effectiveness of this for increasing contributions from the Coordinator at massive, with no infrastructure or mining proposals – coal and schools.” unique partnership. CCRC brushes up on success next summer. the Yellowstone private sector – namely the railroads Nathan Varley out-of-state that would almost certainly never be mined – – Caleb Lande Association. ” The bill also opens the door to more oil and gas – to pay for projects that would help legislative agenda – Maggie Zaback in return for high-quality coal next to existing Phil Davidson will remain the corporation development along the Musselshell River, as well relieve rail traffic congestion at several mines with a high likelihood of development. Lewistown seminar arbon County Resource Treasurer, and Jim Peaco will over the as expedites oil and gas permitting in eastern at-grade crossings in Billings. on mineral rights Council held its Annual remain the Northern Plains Board livelihoods Montana communities, where the rapid pace of C CRC elects officers; Northern Plains Chair Steve Charter said, “It’s In 2015, YVCC is launching a Meeting in December. The meeting Representative. and property development is already creating public health and he tally is in: Central Montana like trading a trailer house for a mansion.” Membership Committee to plan social featured Northern Plains’ oil and hears about solar rights of safety problems. Resource Council’s garden BCC will host the annual Jardine Ski T events for the membership-at-large, gas roadshow, with Kurt Voight ottonwood Resource Council multi- If this traded coal is mined, the state and produced over 1,300 pounds of food Run on Sunday, February 22. All are Montanans should know that the public lands including potlucks, movie showings, speaking about the Northern Plains held its Winter Potluck and generational federal governments would lose out on tens of in 2014. Members donated the harvest C invited to join the fun at 1 p.m. For protections in the bill came at a significant action parties, and more! 2015 legislative agenda. Many guests Annual Meeting on January 8. Montana millions of dollars in royalties that would now of fresh produce to the Lewistown more information, contact Maggie at go to GNP. Putting this federal coal into GNP’s cost. Farmers, ranchers, and eastern Montana Community Cupboard, Center on – Alicia Pettys attended for free pizza and an Members re-elected Cindy Webber ranching (406) 248-1154 or email hands also removes the decades-old prohibition shouldn’t be a sacrificed for the protection of Aging, and Boys & Girls Club. CMRC explanation of oil and gas policy in as Chair, Jerry Iverson as Vice- families like [email protected] against strip-mining it, undermining hard-fought others. is now planning the 2015 garden and YBCC garners letter Montana. Chair and Co-Secretary, Sandi Blake mine.... as Co-Secretary Michael Drye as – Maggie Zaback protections and property rights that have allowed community education on local foods. The evening concluded with – Steve Charter Bull Mountain ranchers to stay in business. – Svein Newman about Livingston rail Treasurer and Northern Plains Board CMRC is co-sponsoring an event with discussion questions from a Carbon hanks to the long and thorough Representative. Enjoying this issue of the MSU Extension Service of Fergus County Commissioner on protecting work of Yellowstone Bend Special guest Jo DeVries from County on Understanding Mineral Rights, T both surface and mineral rights. The Plains Truth? Don’t Montana Delegation Information Citizens Council’s Fossil Fuel Yellowstone Bend Citizen Council Leasing, and Royalties on February 4 at toss it, share it with Senator Jon Tester Senator Steve Daines Representative Ryan Zinke Transport Committee, the Livingston Deb Muth was re-elected as the Chair, shared the experiences of YBCC’s the Community Center from 4-6:30. friends and tell them 724 Hart Senate Building 1 Russell Senate Courtyard 113 Cannon House Office Building City Commission voted unanimously Susann Beug is the Vice Chair, Elli efforts to get a solar system installed This seminar will provide an overview Washington, DC 20510-2604 Washington, DC 20510 Washington, DC 20515 on Dec. 2 to send a letter to the Elliott remains Treasurer, and Becky on the Livingston Food Pantry, Food it’s one of the benefits of mineral rights and leasing as well as Office: (202) 224-2644 Office:(202) 224-2651 Office: (202) 225-3211 federal Surface Transportation Grey is the Northern Plains Board Center, and Community Kitchen. of being a member of oil and gas royalties. Come and join in! Fax: (202) 224-8594 Fax: (202) 224-9412 Fax: (202) 225-5687 Board, asking to be included in the Representative. Northern Plains. www.tester.senate.gov/?p=email_senator www.stevedaines.com/contact https://zinke.house.gov/contact/email – Sarah Fitzgerald environmental review of the Tongue – Maggie Zaback – Hannah Hostetter

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orthern Plains kicked off Help us makeVolume 37, BigIssue  Winter Oil 2007 toe the line! receive various “perks,” ranging from Nour first crowdfunding cabin stays to one-of-a kind metal campaign in early January to raise online using sites such as Indiegogo, By crowdfunding through art or willow baskets in exchange for funds to protect land,Renewable air, water, Kickstarter, orEnergy GoFundMe. andIndiegogo, Conservation we are able to reach their donation. beyond our membership to a and communities from extreme oil For more information – or to Funding from our campaign on broader audience interested in the development.Highlight Northern Plains’ Annual Meetingdonate – please visit Indiegogo will support our 2015 effects of oil and gas development. Crowdfunding involves raising efforts to hold the oil and gas http://igg.me/at/northernplains funds fromhis year’s a large Annual group Meeting of people celebrated industry Northern to a Plains’ higher 35-yearstandard. history, Donors to the campaign also can – Caleb Lande while looking ahead to new efforts to create a clean energy future for TMontana. You can pay online, too The meetingJoin, began on Friday, renew, November 10, or with twobecome sessions focused on renew- You also can join, renew or donate able energy and agriculture. Keynote speaker David Morris—vice president of the online through our website at a Monthly Sustainer 220 S. 27th Street, Suite A Institute for Local Self-Reliance and an expert on biofuels—discussed how a biofuels www.northernplains.org. Just click Billings, MT 59101 industryNAME could meet energy needs, provide economic opportunities for farmers, and on the “Support Our Work Today” 406-248-1154 button in the upper right. create sustainable local communities. ADDRESS  I want to renew my Affiliate membership: Following the keynote, Morris was joined by John Van Delinder, street superinten- CITY, STATE, ZIP  Bear Creek Council $50  Beartooth Alliance $35 dent for the City of Bozeman, and by Howard Haines, bioenergy program manager Member Julia Page is interviewed by a film Northern Plains Chair Mark Fix (left) as- for the Montana Department of Environmental Quality, in a panel presentation crew  Bullfrom Mountainthe Virginia LandOrganizing Alliance Project $35  Carbonsists Rep. County Wanda GrindeResource (center) Council and Rep. $40 PHONE CELL (VOP), a longtime ally. VOP filmed our An- Arlene Becker (right) as they conduct a  about the emerging biodiesel industry in Montana. The speech and panel discussion nual CentralMeeting asMontana part of a Resourcedocumentary Council $40lobbying workshop, preparing members for earnedEMAIL Northern Plains favorable press about our Biodiesel: Homegrown Prosper- about  Cottonwood grassroots organizing. Resource Council $45 the Dawson 2007 legislative Resource session. Council $40 ity campaign, including a Billings Gazette editorial endorsing the use of biodiesel of  our McCone new campaign— AgriculturalProtect Protection Our WaterOrganization Rights. This$40 campaign aims to protect blends I would in Billings’ like to citybecome fleet. a Monthly Sustainer with a contribution of: (with a payment through credit card, debit card, or automatic withdrawal from my bank account) Montana’s  Rosebud water Protective rights system Association from attempts$50  Sleeping by a methane Giant companyCitizens Council to sidestep $40  $50/month  $25/month  $20/month longstanding  Stillwater requirements Protective Association that water $50 rights  beYellowstone used for beneficialBend Citizens purposes Council and $40 that the water not be wasted. Members were also able to tour Northern Plains’ new  $15/month  $10/month  Other $______ Yellowstone Valley Citizens Council $40 green building, Home on the Range.  I would like to make an annual membership contribution of: I’m paying by:  Check (payable to Northern Plains)  Credit/Debit Card  Rider of the Big Sky $500+  Bottom Line Rider $200+ As always, the Annual Meeting gave members an opportunity to enjoy food and en- tertainment Automatic while catching Withdrawal up with (include old friends. a voided On Friday check) night, Yellowstone Valley  Rough Rider $100+  Range Rider $50+  General $40 CardCitizens Type Council hostedCard # their annual Cowboy Supper, and Northern Exp. Date Plains members  Other amount $______and staff performed at Theater of the West, our homegrown talent show. You also can join or renew on our website: www.northernplains.org Signature The event concluded Saturday night with a champagne toast, a performance by Billings-based bluegrass band, the Longtime Lonesome Dogs, and exciting live and

The Plains Truth Wintersilent 2015 auctions. Page 16 Thanks to generous members and supporters who donated and bid on items, our annual fundraiser was a great success. The proceeds from the auctions will support Northern Plains’ work throughout the coming year. -Laura Nelson

Photo by James Woodcock, Billings Gazette. Former Billings Mayor Chuck Tooley gives a PowerPoint presentation on global climate change at Northern Plains’ Annual Meeting.

On Saturday, November 11, our luncheon speaker was Kath Williams, president of the World Green Building Council and principal of Kath Williams + Associates, a Bozeman firm that supports sustainable education projects. Williams presented a slide program about the benefits of green building and discussed energy efficient construction projects around the globe. Former Billings Mayor Chuck Tooley drove home the importance of renewable, sustainable energy with a powerful presentation about global warming on Saturday afternoon. Tooley is one of 50 people trained by Al Gore to give presentations on cli- mate change based on Gore’s film and book, An Inconvenient Truth. Tooley described the causes, evidence, and consequences of global warming, as well as steps citizens can take to reduce carbon dioxide emissions to reverse this dangerous trend. Members (clockwise from lower left) Wade Sikorski, Andy Mikes, Nellie Israel, and Clare Our 2006 Annual Meeting also featured a lobbying workshop with Montana state Witcomb participate in a lobbying workshop at the Annual Meeting. representatives Arlene Becker and Wanda Grinde, as well as a panel discussion

The Plains Truth Winter 2007 Page