Legislative misconceptions

As we get closer to the end of the 62nd Legislative Session, I would like to clear up some misconceptions about a host of hot-button legislation currently working its way through the process. Alarmists from all sides have taken many of these issues entirely out of context and portrayed them as something they are not.  I had a constituent stop by to express disappointment on my vote for Senate Bill 306.   I explained that I would be mad too if the only information I had was what was available in the press.  This has been totally misrepresented in the media as opening the door to new open pit mining.  Contrary to the misinformation put out by the bill’s critics, SB 306 does NOT overturn the 1998 voter-approved cyanide heap-leach mining ban. Under the 1998 initiative, a few mines were grandfathered in and allowed to continue using this method in a responsible manner. SB 306 simply states that if a new gold or silver mine wants to do business in Montana, they are allowed to truck ore to only these mines for processing.  This is one of the many Republican sponsored bills supporting legislation that will create opportunities for more jobs in Montana. It will essentially give the green light to new gold and silver mines that want to bring business and economic activity to our state and allow clean-up of abandoned mine sites by the State with processing of the low-grade ore to pay for the clean-up.  This bill is also supported by the DEQ and is on its way to the Governor after having passed both the House and Senate. Gov. Schweitzer has said he wants jobs legislation and that he supports responsible natural resource development, so it is my hope that he will sign SB 306 into law.