EPISODE DESCRIPTION
Montana Public Radio and Montana Free Press reporters Ellis Juhlin and Amanda Eggert discuss key environmental issues at this year’s legislative session with host Shaylee Ragar. The focus is on wolf-related bills and the Montana Environmental Policy Act, particularly after the recent Supreme Court ruling on the Held v. Montana case.
EPISODE TRANSCRIPT
Shaylee Ragar: The 69th Legislature, now in Week Seven, faces heated debates over environmental policies, from wolf management to the right to a clean environment. This is The Session, exploring politics and policies within the Montana Statehouse. With Montana Public Radio, I’m Shaylee Ragar.
Ellis Juhlin: And I’m Ellis Juhlin with Montana Public Radio.
Amanda Eggert: And I’m Amanda Eggert with Montana Free Press.
Shaylee Ragar: I’m thrilled to have our environmental experts on the podcast this week. Welcome, Ellis and Amanda. You join us from Missoula and Bozeman, respectively. What’s new with you?
Amanda Eggert: Ready for snow to melt and warmer temperatures to arrive.
Ellis Juhlin: It’s my third winter in Montana, finally experiencing the snow abundance I anticipated, unlike Utah.
Shaylee Ragar: Policy discussions about wolf management heat up the temperature. A long-debated issue, what’s new, Ellis?
Ellis Juhlin: Indeed, wolves evoke strong feelings. In 2021, legislation aimed to reduce the wolf population by easing kill regulations. In 2025, lawmakers argue it wasn’t enough. Two bills this session aim to halve the population from 1,100 to 550. House Bill 176, led by Republican Shannon Maness, proposes an unlimited kill quota as long as numbers stay above 550.
“The reasoning is the current problem of certain areas filling their quota early, shutting down hunting and trapping. These areas have higher wolf numbers but low quotas.”
Ellis Juhlin: This bill allows the Fish and Wildlife Commission to adjust wolf hunting and trapping regulations.
“A statewide quota, instead of regional, will bring numbers down quickly to reach our reduction goal.”
Shaylee Ragar: Watching these committee hearings, what arguments are presented?
Ellis Juhlin: Many people attend these hearings, eager to voice opinions. Supporters argue wolves kill too many animals.
“Our deer, elk, and moose can’t withstand this pressure. Ranchers face increasing issues with predator numbers.”
Opponents argue these aren’t real issues.
“Elk populations are robust across Montana. Deer too. Livestock depredations are insignificant.”
Former Yellowstone wolf biologist Doug Smith opposed these bills.
“Biologists should not be encumbered by politicizing their management.”
Critiques arose over four years without halving the population, despite relaxed regulations.
“I think we got a problem here. I think our hunters suck.”
Shaylee Ragar: What’s next for these bills?
Ellis Juhlin: Initially, two bills surfaced; now, only one remains, proposing an unlimited quota until the wolf population drops to 550. This bill passed the House and awaits a Senate committee hearing.
Shaylee Ragar: Let’s discuss the Montana Environmental Policy Act, Amanda.
Amanda Eggert: MEPA, passed in 1971, is a key environmental law. Lawmakers often seek changes, especially after the Held v. Montana climate ruling. The Montana Supreme Court upheld the ruling, affirming the right to a stable climate system. MEPA faces changes due to this ruling.
Shaylee Ragar: What did the court order the state to do?
Amanda Eggert: The court directed lawmakers to create a framework for inventorying and disclosing greenhouse gas emissions for large projects. Senate Bill 221, sponsored by Republican Wylie Galt, responds to the ruling.
“The bill provides a common-sense approach to a court ruling plagued by anything but common sense.”
Ellis Juhlin: Galt’s bill mandates environmental regulators assess emissions from construction but not the full lifespan of coal emissions.
“Montana has an outside influence on the world’s greenhouse gas emissions.”
Environmental groups argue it overlooks significant emissions.
Shaylee Ragar: What’s the support for this bill?
Amanda Eggert: Numerous Republican co-sponsors and industry supporters back Senate Bill 221, advocating for clarity and consistency.
“This bill de-weaponizes the MEPA process, used as a litigation tool.”
It focuses on impact disclosure, not regulating emissions.
Ellis Juhlin: Lawmakers express outrage at the Held ruling.
“For generations, Montanans thrived due to balance.”
Republicans resent the courts’ decisions.
“That balance was disrupted by a court.”
Another round of litigation over climate impacts is expected.
Shaylee Ragar: Any other MEPA-related bills?
Amanda Eggert: House Bill 291, led by Greg Oblander, restricts Montana from exceeding federal air quality standards. If passed, Montana can only adopt greenhouse gas rules if the federal government does. With Trump’s administration’s stance, federal regulation is unlikely.
Shaylee Ragar: What’s the status of these proposals?
Amanda Eggert: Senate Bill 221 passed third reading and moves to the House. House Bill 291 hasn’t had a third reading yet but is expected to pass the House. Other MEPA-revising bills are also in the process. We’ll track these measures as they progress.
Shaylee Ragar: What were your favorite moments last week?
Ellis Juhlin: I enjoyed post-work snow time, despite the cold. Thankful for the snow.
Amanda Eggert: A press conference by Republican lawmakers on MEPA bills intrigued me, especially with DEQ’s director Sonja Nowakowski supporting those bills.
“I stand proud of the House and Senate’s work with MEPA.”
Shaylee Ragar: My favorite moment was learning Rep. Llew Jones canceled a meeting for a wrestling tournament, showing lawmakers need breaks too. This has been The Session, exploring policy and politics in Montana’s State House. Thank you both for joining.
Ellis Juhlin: Thanks, Shaylee.
Amanda Eggert: Thanks for having us on.
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