The Democrats on the U.S. Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources have advanced U.S. Sen. Jon Tester’s Montana Headwaters Legacy Act. This legislation aims to designate 326 total river miles from 19 rivers in Montana as part of the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System, protecting the wild and free-flowing nature and water quality of these rivers. The bill, which has been in the works for over a decade, has received support from various groups in Montana.
The Act has faced opposition from some, including U.S. Sen. Steve Daines, who raised concerns about its impact on various stakeholders. However, proponents of the bill argue that the majority of Montanans support the legislation, as evident from a recent poll that showed strong bipartisan backing for protecting Montana’s rivers.
The legislation now has the opportunity to be heard in front of the full Senate or be included in a broader public lands package. Supporters are hopeful that the bill will be passed before the end of the year to ensure the protection of Montana’s waterways. The National Wild and Scenic Rivers System, if expanded by this bill, will create protective corridors along designated rivers, safeguarding them from development and preserving their natural beauty for generations to come.
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