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Montana committee hears opposition and industry support for resolution urging federal rollback of environmental rules
Summary
Lawmakers heard hours of testimony on House Joint Resolution 17, which asks federal leaders to streamline permitting and prioritize critical minerals and national‑security authorities; industry witnesses warned of plant retirements and high compliance costs, while tribes and conservation groups urged a no vote citing public‑health, wildlife and tribal consultation concerns.
Representative Steve Fitzpatrick introduced House Joint Resolution 17, saying the legislature should urge Congress and the president to promote energy development and streamline federal permitting to meet rising demand driven by data centers and other modern industries. Fitzpatrick framed the measure as an "all‑of‑the‑above" approach that includes fossil fuels, renewable energy and newer technologies, and cited national‑security tools such as the Defense Production Act and the National Emergencies Act.
Environmental and tribal groups urged lawmakers to reject HJ 17. Catherine Sauer of the Northern Plains Resource Council said weakening safeguards…
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