Keep the Smith clean. Photo cred: Anthony Rabasca
Election season is upon us, and it’s turning out to be one of the most important in recent history. As an industry, and as lovers of our uniquely American outdoor heritage and natural treasures, whether you support public lands and waters, clean water, salmon, or any of the myriad other conservation efforts, it’s our responsibility to make our voice heard in the most direct way possible—get to the polls and cast your vote.
While there are many issues and political races across the country with votes that will have local, regional and national implications, AFFTA and Montana TU want folks to know that this election brings a significant ballot initiative to bear in Big Sky Country:
The Yes for Responsible Mining initiative I-186.
With 3,500 abandoned mines and over 2,500 miles of stream in Montana already classified as being acidic or containing heavy metals such as lead, arsenic and mercury, I-186 will ensure that new mines in Montana operate responsibly, taking a major step toward protecting the health of our world-class rivers and fisheries. It will hold new mining companies accountable and no longer allow them to leave behind a toxic mess requiring perpetual treatment of contaminated and poisonous water—at taxpayer expense.
I-186 highlights include:
- Protects Montana’s water from toxic pollution
- Is pro-responsible mining and does not impact current mines or jobs
- Protects property rights
- Protects jobs and industries dependent on clean water supplies
- Protects Montana’s $7 billion outdoor economy
- Is supported by a diverse, bipartisan group of real Montanans who believe clean water is a vital part of our health and wellbeing as individuals and as a state.
In short, a vote for I-186 is a vote for pro-responsible mining that guarantees clean water for all Montanans.
From Alaska to the Boundary Waters, South Florida to the Chesapeake Bay, West Texas to New York’s Southern Tier, every state in the country has a stake in its own fight for clean water. Whether it’s fracking for natural gas, mining for coal or other mineral resources, or the outright stripping-away of clean water protections, we all have a responsibility to protect our natural resources and outdoor heritage, point our elected officials in the right direction and make our voice count by exercising our right to vote.
Learn more about the Yes for Responsible Mining initiative at yeson186.org