Big Thanks to Baucus and Burns for Protecting the Rocky Mountain Front!

Great news! Senator Conrad Burns, as Chairman of the Interior Appropriations Subcommittee, included specific language in the bill to prevent new oil and gas leases from being approved on federal lands located along the magnificent Rocky Mountain Front, home to abundant wildlife, spectacular scenery, and limitless outdoor recreation opportunities.

Burns’ recent change of heart compliments the tireless work of Senator Max Baucus, who has long been a vocal advocate of protecting the Rocky Mountain Front.

The bad news is…Representative Denny Rehberg broke with colleague Conrad Burns and with Montana voters to oppose a moratorium on drilling in the Rocky Mountain Front. In a statement released publicly, Rehberg said it would be "unwise to summarily close off areas that could be part of an energy solution for our country.”

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Congressman Rehberg’s comments were made in spite of a recent poll showing that 60 percent of Montana voters support efforts to work with energy companies to donate or sell energy leases along the Front to withdraw them from development. The poll also showed that 60 percent of those who responded strongly support efforts by Congress to prohibit drilling on public lands along the Front.

Senator Burns’ decisive actions to protect the Rocky Mountain Front are a reversal from his previous opposition to a moratorium on oil and gas drilling there. Burns has come to appreciate the unique characteristics of this special place and its importance to Montanans and Montana wildlife. In concert with Senator Baucus’ longtime position, Burns is championing new federal legislation that forbids any new oil and gas development along the Front. Burns' legislation would also retire any existing oil and gas drilling permits, should they expire or be acquired by non-drilling outfits.

Please click here to thank Senators Baucus and Burns for their bipartisan effort to protect this irreplaceable landscape from future oil and gas development!

Please click here to contact Representative Denny Rehberg. Ask him to explain why he remains out of touch with Montana voters and his colleague, Conrad Burns.

SIDEBAR: The Coalition to Protect the Rocky Mountain Front is comprised of concerned citizens, ranchers, business people, outfitters, anglers, hunters and member organizations, including: The Wilderness Society, Montana Wilderness Association, Montana Wildlife Federation and Friends of the Rocky Mountain Front. Join their effort to protect this magnificent place by signing their on-line petition at: www.savethefront.org/take_action/index.php

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