Martz on mining

To the editor,

Recently I read a guest column authored by Northern Plains Resource Council member Roger Muggli in which he criticized my administration for turning a "blind eye" toward the Tongue River Valley. Roger based his criticism on a newspaper article regarding the Flathead Basin and potential coal development in British Columbia.

I have tremendous respect for Roger and all agriculture producers in the Tongue River Valley. Agriculture remains the number one industry in eastern Montana, and it is important that we carefully review any activity that may negatively impact that important segment of our economy. I have subscribed wholeheartedly to this environmentally conscious policy for every development project we have undertaken during my term in office.

Water is the lifeblood to farmers and ranchers in eastern Montana. It is critical to their economic survival that we protect water quality originating in Montana and flowing in from Wyoming. I have long maintained that we cannot accept the development of coal bed natural gas at the expense of Montana's environment or our agricultural base.

Over the last three years, the Montana Department of Environmental Quality, Montana Board of Oil and Gas, and the U.S. Department of Bureau of Land Management have conducted extensive environmental impact studies regarding the development of coal bed natural gas. These agencies solicited comments from the public including environmental organizations and other government regulatory agencies.

Despite the industry's unease, the State of Montana adopted numeric standards for water quality in an effort to provide extra protections to users of Montana's water. These measures are beyond what is required in most other states. To date, the State of Montana and the State of Wyoming continue to work closely together to share information, data and learned experiences with regard to coal bed natural gas. We know what Wyoming is doing in the development of their resources, and Wyoming knows what we're doing.

Additionally, the Environmental Protection Agency, under the Clean Air Act and the Clean Water Act, continue to monitor and evaluate the development of coal bed natural gas in both Montana and Wyoming.

Coal bed natural gas in the Tongue River basin is being developed under the laws and regulations of the United States and the State of Montana, permitting by several state agencies and the watchful eye of the public.

There is a lot we do not know about coal bed natural gas development in British Columbia. As of today, we do not have the same level of information regarding water quality, quantity, number of wells proposed, road density and wildlife impacts. As Montanans, we have not had the opportunity to review proposed actions, critique environmental assessments and discuss possible impacts. I have asked the British Columbia government for the same information we have gathered in the Tongue River basin. I have asked the British Columbia government to conduct and share environmental reviews on coal bed natural gas development before permitting that development to take place.

I am not opposed to British Columbia developing their resources. It may very well be that the development of coal bed natural gas in British Columbia will have no negative impacts on the Flathead Basin. If that is the case, we will not stand in their way. We need to fully understand the laws and regulations governing coal bed natural gas development in Canada. We also need assurances that coal bed natural gas development will not negatively impact Montana's environment or economy.

The state labored through years of environmental review, public comment and regulatory adjustments for prudent development in Eastern Montana. As Governor, I am asking for no less for Western Montana.

Gov. Judy Martz

Helena