Baucus leads the way to stop Canadian mine in the Flathead!

According to the Missoulian, Senator Max Baucus has promised “a knock-down, drag-out fight” if the British Petroleum Company pursues coalbed methane plans north of Glacier National Park. Baucus met recently with executives from the company, and promised that BP should expect “a massive and unpleasant fight from Montana” if the company moves ahead with a proposal to open southwest British Columbia to drilling and energy exploration. Senator Tester has also voiced his opposition to the coalbed methane proposal.

Both senators recently requested Montana involvement in Canada's federal environmental review process, which has been triggered to analyze potential risks posed by a coal mine planned in the same region as BP's coalbed methane project. Currently, Cline Mining Corp. wants to remove a mountaintop at the headwaters of the Canadian Flathead, digging some 40 million tons of coal over the next 20 years. And BP Canada Energy Co. has proposed a $100 million coalbed methane exploration project in that same river drainage.

Downstream inhabitants worry the energy projects could harm fish, wildlife and water quality south of the border. The main concern is that coalmine pollutants will flow south, along with high volumes of wastewater used to extract the methane gas beneath.

Opponents to the proposal have requested that an exhaustive baseline environmental study be completed before development begins, so any future problems can be measured against natural conditions.

Government leaders in British Columbia have balked at a thorough environmental examination, but downstream interests, including the National Park Service, U.S. Geological Survey and the Flathead Lake Biological Station have already invested in extensive studies of water quality and future water quality monitoring in the affected area.

Senator Baucus is steering the effort to earmark up to $3.8 million for further scientific studies. He has also requested that hearings on the mining issue be held in Kalispell and other downstream communities. Baucus has made it clear to British Petroleum that he believes the Flathead River should be off limits to coalbed methane development, as it provides critical habitat for fish and wildlife and is a cherished place for hunting, fishing and outdoor recreation in Montana.

Please thank Senator Baucus for his dedication and determination to protect the Flathead Valley and its waters!

Contact Representative Rehberg and ask him to protect the Flathead Valley and oppose this proposal by British Petroleum.