Crow Tribe seeks funding amid coal industry decline and environmental concerns in Montana
November 20, 2024 | Natural Resources: House Committee, Standing Committees - House & Senate, Congressional Hearings Compilation
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The U.S. House Committee on Natural Resources held a legislative hearing on November 20, 2024, focusing on energy and mineral resources, with significant discussions surrounding the Crow Revenue Act and the implications of coal mining regulations.
During the hearing, Mister Johnson, representing the Crow Tribe, highlighted the challenges faced by the coal industry, describing it as a declining sector that is increasingly unreliable for funding essential services and infrastructure. He emphasized that the tribe relies on increased funding from the proposed legislation to support various social services, including programs addressing missing and murdered Indigenous women (MMIW), which he noted is a critical issue on the Crow reservation.
Johnson pointed out that the tribe had conducted 78 search and rescue operations for missing individuals this year alone, underscoring the urgent need for financial support. He also addressed concerns about the potential for economic instability resulting from the legislation, particularly in light of the recent shutdown of the Absa Loca mine, which significantly impacted the tribal budget.
The discussion also turned to HR 8952, a bill that some committee members criticized as a potential handout to the coal industry at the expense of public resources. Representative Huffman raised concerns about a proposed land swap involving the Signal Peak coal mine, questioning the motivations behind the company's willingness to relinquish federal leases. Johnson responded by indicating that the legislation could circumvent necessary environmental reviews, raising alarms about the potential impacts on local communities and climate.
The hearing also touched on the importance of ensuring that promised revenues from the legislation would actually benefit the Crow Tribe. Questions were raised about the binding agreements related to revenue sharing, with Johnson confirming that there is a technical amendment in progress to address these concerns.
Overall, the hearing underscored the complexities of balancing economic development, environmental protection, and the needs of Indigenous communities. As discussions continue, the committee aims to ensure that any legislative actions taken will support the sovereignty and financial stability of the Crow Tribe while addressing broader environmental concerns.
During the hearing, Mister Johnson, representing the Crow Tribe, highlighted the challenges faced by the coal industry, describing it as a declining sector that is increasingly unreliable for funding essential services and infrastructure. He emphasized that the tribe relies on increased funding from the proposed legislation to support various social services, including programs addressing missing and murdered Indigenous women (MMIW), which he noted is a critical issue on the Crow reservation.
Johnson pointed out that the tribe had conducted 78 search and rescue operations for missing individuals this year alone, underscoring the urgent need for financial support. He also addressed concerns about the potential for economic instability resulting from the legislation, particularly in light of the recent shutdown of the Absa Loca mine, which significantly impacted the tribal budget.
The discussion also turned to HR 8952, a bill that some committee members criticized as a potential handout to the coal industry at the expense of public resources. Representative Huffman raised concerns about a proposed land swap involving the Signal Peak coal mine, questioning the motivations behind the company's willingness to relinquish federal leases. Johnson responded by indicating that the legislation could circumvent necessary environmental reviews, raising alarms about the potential impacts on local communities and climate.
The hearing also touched on the importance of ensuring that promised revenues from the legislation would actually benefit the Crow Tribe. Questions were raised about the binding agreements related to revenue sharing, with Johnson confirming that there is a technical amendment in progress to address these concerns.
Overall, the hearing underscored the complexities of balancing economic development, environmental protection, and the needs of Indigenous communities. As discussions continue, the committee aims to ensure that any legislative actions taken will support the sovereignty and financial stability of the Crow Tribe while addressing broader environmental concerns.
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