Southwest Montana News

U.S. Senator Steve Daines, Congressman Ryan Zinke, and Matt Rosendale have jointly called for an expedited review of Montana mines by the Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement (OSMRE). In a letter addressed to OSMRE, the lawmakers expressed concerns over the delays in environmental reviews for the Bull Mountains, Spring Creek, and Rosebud mines, highlighting the potential adverse impact on Montana communities.

The lawmakers emphasized the significance of these mines as crucial economic drivers for various counties in Montana. Senator Daines, Congressman Zinke, and Congressman Rosendale pointed out that the delays in the environmental review process could have severe repercussions for rural communities in the state.

In their letter, the lawmakers stated, “We urge you to follow the law, court-ordered deadlines and commitments, and the needs of the communities and complete the environmental reviews in a timely manner.” They raised suspicions about OSMRE's repeated delays in completing the environmental reviews, questioning the agency's intent behind its review processes.

The Bull Mountains Mine, Spring Creek Mine, and Rosebud Mine are essential sources of employment and revenue for Montanans, contributing significantly to federal, state, and local economies. The completion of the environmental reviews in a timely manner is crucial to ensuring the continued operation and sustainability of these mines.

The letter from Senator Daines, Congressman Zinke, and Congressman Rosendale serves as a call to action for OSMRE to prioritize and expedite the environmental review process for the Montana mines to safeguard the interests of the communities and support the economic well-being of the region.