AFP: Held v. Montana Undermines Legislature’s Role in Environmental Reviews
HELENA, MT – This week, the Montana Supreme Court upheld a district court decision in Held v. Montana. The ruling states the plaintiffs have a constitutional right to a clean environment.
AFP-Montana Deputy State Director Henry Kriegel released the following statement:
“Held v. Montana undermines the progress achieved in the Montana State Legislature to streamline environmental reviews and discourages the legislature from addressing these issues in the future. There is a clear separation of power between the legislature and the judiciary, and this ruling unfortunately ties the hands of state lawmakers trying to regulate environmental reviews.
“AFP believes there needs to be reviews for environmental and economic impact on these projects. AFP also contends that Montana deserves an energy sector that unleashes the state’s potential and creates jobs in the region. We will continue to fight to strengthen the energy sector right here in Big Sky Country while maintaining responsible environmental review.”
