Montanans' Constitutional promise of a clean and healthful environment withstands the test of time

With its powerful "right-to-know"promises of open meetings, open records and recorded votes, as well as an expansive bill of rights that is a model for the world, Montana's 1972 State Constitution has withstood the test of time.

Along with its promises of improving our quality of life and expanding the "equality of opportunity," the 1972 Constitution lays out a rock-solid foundation for the protection of public health and conservation of the state's bountiful natural resources.

Nestled just below the constitution's stirring preamble is Article II, Section 3, which spells out our inalienable rights. Top on the list is the right to a clean and healthful environment, but convincing a majority of delegates to accept that landmark language clearly required courage, persistence and patience on the part of conservationists.

Read the Montana's state constitution here.