Grassroots organizing wins the protection of some of America’s most iconic landscapes from mining.
On February 12th, the Yellowstone Gateway Protection Act, drafted by Senator Jon Tester and eventually supported by Montana’s entire congressional delegation, passed a floor vote in the US Senate. The bill is part of a broad public lands package, the Natural Resources Management Act, which passed by a vote of 92-8. If signed into law, the legislation will permanently protect over 30,000 acres of national forest in Paradise Valley, just north of Yellowstone National Park, from mining – specifically by mineral extraction.
“This is a testament to grassroots organizing, and we are overjoyed that Paradise Valley will finally get the permanent protection it deserves,” said Northern Plains Chair Becky Mitchell. “Northern Plains is proud to have been one piece of the larger statewide puzzle that kept Senator Tester’s bill alive and, eventually, helped it gain the support of all Montana’s members of Congress.”
“This is a testament to grassroots organizing, and we are overjoyed that Paradise Valley will finally get the permanent protection it deserves.”
Northern Plains engaged in grassroots organizing with a coalition of local business owners to push for the Yellowstone Gateway Protection Act, a part of a larger package of land protections aimed at preserving some of the most pristine and popular lands in the west, including Montana’s portion of the fragile Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem.
“Given how much our state’s economy depends on outdoor recreation on unspoiled lands, this is a win for all Montanans,” continued Mitchell. “This also ensures that the farmers and ranchers on the Yellowstone River downstream from Paradise Valley can expect clean water for generations to come. We look forward to seeing the Yellowstone Gateway Protection Act signed into law.”
“This also ensures that the farmers and ranchers on the Yellowstone River downstream from Paradise Valley can expect clean water for generations to come.
The legislation was originally introduced by Senator Tester in April of 2017. A House version was later adopted by Representative Greg Gianforte in December of that same year. Neither bill received a full vote in its respective chamber during the prior congressional session.
In October of 2018, the Department of the Interior placed a twenty-year moratorium on mineral leases in Paradise Valley. But twenty years is the maximum period that Interior can withdraw lands from lease consideration. Only federal law can provide permanent protection for public lands like the 30,000 acres outside of Yellowstone National Park.
Protecting the Paradise Valley is just a part of what Natural Resources Management Act. The Act includes protections for critical landscapes throughout the West, as well as permanent re-authorization of the Land and Water Conservation Fund.
“This is truly historic legislation that will not only protect one of the most beautiful regions in the United States, but will also protect the local jobs and businesses that rely on the pristine natural landscape of Paradise Valley for their livelihoods.”
“This is truly historic legislation that will not only protect one of the most beautiful regions in the United States, but will also protect the local jobs and businesses that rely on the pristine natural landscape of Paradise Valley for their livelihoods,” said Sabina Strauss, a Northern Plains member and longtime business owner in Gardiner, MT. “We are grateful that Senator Tester has remained doggedly persistent for almost two years to see this bipartisan legislation get over the finish line in the Senate.”
The bill now goes to the House where it’s expected to pass easily. The high level of bipartisan support in the Senate also makes it more likely the President will sign it into law.
Read more:
Grassroots Awareness Campaign Nears Victory for Permanent Protection of Paradise Valley, Yellowstone River.
Federal Court Halts Keystone XL Pipeline Due to Weak Environmental Review
Northern Plains Wants to Create an Agriculture Revolution by Establishing a Billings-Area Food Hub .