Montana lawmakers move forward with THC-limiting bill
A law looking to limit marijuana dosage across the state took a step forward Thursday. If passed House Bill 636 would limit THC content in edibles to 5 milligrams per serving. The bill is moving on to the third reading. If approved it will land on the governor’s desk. Supporters say it’s a way to reduce cannabis-related visits to the ER for anyone but especially children. An opponents worry lesser doses could have a negative impact on medical marijuana users.
President Trump Extends Life Of Colstrip
President Donald Trump has signed an Executive Order to allow some older coal-fired power plants to keep producing electricity saying he’s bringing back America’s coal industry. It means the Colstrip Coal Power Plant employing 360 Montanans will not be retired as planned under the current EPA regulations. The nearby Rosebud Mine employs another 370 workers who will be able to keep working.
Montana’s Baby Boomer’s Outsized Influence on the Real Estate Market
Montana’s population is older than the U.S. as a whole with baby boomers making up a significant share of residents and they own roughly 40% of all homes in the state one of the highest rates in the nation. A recent Redfin survey found 78% of U.S. homeowners aged 60 plus plan to remain in their homes as they age and has become even more prevalent in this tight housing market.
Montana lawmakers push forward over 100 bills with fewer than 20 days remaining
State lawmakers are racing against time as they push over 100 bills forward with less than 20 days left in the session with both chambers working to ensure bills receive the necessary votes. The progress on the remaining bills continues to be closely monitored. Legislators now begin their days at 8:30 and continue into the afternoon or evening. As the session nears its end the governor has already signed more than 70 bills.
Oil and gas leases no longer require environmental impact statements in Montana
The U.S. Department of the Interior will no longer require the Bureau of Land Management to conduct an environmental impact statement for about 3,244 oil and gas leases across seven Western states including Montana. The decision aligns with an executive unleashing American energy order signed by President Trump this week. The Notice of Rescission is set to be published in the Federal Register today. The Department says it remains committed to responsible energy development on public lands.
Bill reimbursing counties for holding DPHHS inmates advances
State lawmakers are considering how much to reimburse county jails for holding inmates waiting for a bed at the Montana State Hospital. House Bill 643 would appropriate one-time funding of $6 million from the state to reimburse counties for Department of Health and Human Services inmates. About 100 people a day are held in county detention centers throughout the state while they await transfer to a state facility and that is expected to increase by 25% yearly.
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The Big Hole River Foundation and Upper Missouri Waterkeepers are petitioning the Montana Department of Environmental Quality to designate the Big Hole River as impaired for nutrient pollution. They note the historically low flows high water temperatures and declining fish populations the Big Hole has seen in recent years.
For over 50 years the Interagency Grizzly Bear Study Team based in Bozeman has led the charge in tracking and protecting the animals in Montana but now that mission may be in jeopardy. It is facing potential funding cuts and structural changes as the Department of Government Efficiency reportedly considers trimming its operations.
Yellowstone National Park’s West Entrance will open to auto traffic next Friday morning April 18th at 8 o’clock. The Park’s North Entrance near Gardiner is open year-round providing access to the Lamar Valley Silver Gate and Cooke City. Additional roads within the park will open throughout May weather permitting. Specific routes and directions can be found online.
The Montana Children’s Trust Fund has joined forces with 63 organizations across 21 communities to celebrate Strengthening Families Month this April. Nearly 11,000 blue pinwheels will be planted throughout the state to raise awareness. The initiative aims to highlight the importance of child abuse prevention and the safety and well-being of children in Montana.
