I-186 jeopardize good paying jobs, I'll be voting no

While in Helena at the legislature, I work to pass legislation that encourages good paying jobs and a clean environment. I know that you do not have to choose one over the other. I-186 is proposing to jeopardize those good paying jobs, and possibly the tax dollars that pay to clean up the historical mining problems the proponents are touting.

The Montana Legislative Services has said that I-186 has several ambiguous sections and undefined terms and contains conflicting legal standards that would lead to litigation and likely prevent mining. Although the proponents argue that they have created an exemption for existing mines, the operators of those mines are not so sure. Because expansion permits are often treated as a new permit, they believe that these same environmental groups will sue to have I-186 apply to the expansion if it should pass.

Today’s mining looks much different than it did decades ago. The legislature has passed some of the strictest environmental laws for permitting and operating a mine – over 35 new laws in the last 30 years. We have significantly increased the bonding requirements to ensure that all clean-up will be covered and we actually tax the existing natural resource extraction businesses to fund the clean-up of historical problems. New mines pay to clean up old mines.

If I-186 passes, it could have serious repercussions on not only the mining industry but Montana’s economy.

The economic impact of the Montana mining industry reaches across the state. According to a study conducted by the University of Montana, mining employs some 12,300 workers and generates nearly $200 million in annual revenue for state and local governments. These vital funds support education and local infrastructure and provide critical public safety resources.

According to the study, “if three mines currently under consideration – the Rock Creek, Montanore, and Black Butte mines – were to be successfully developed and operated, the economy would stand to gain more than 3,000 jobs and $450 million per year in revenue.”

If I-186 passes, these jobs, taxes and economic potential will simply disappear. Please join me in voting No on I-186