Central Montana Times

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

The lawmakers highlighted the importance of the Bull Mountains Mine as a crucial economic driver in Musselshell and Yellowstone Counties, stating that it is the "lifeblood of many rural communities in southcentral Montana." They raised alarm over OSMRE's estimation that the court-ordered Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the mine would not be completed until July 2026, well beyond the initially committed timeline.

Furthermore, they pointed out similar delays in the environmental review processes for the Rosebud and Spring Creek mines, noting their substantial contributions to the economy of eastern Montana. The legislators criticized OSMRE for repeatedly pushing back completion dates, leading them to question the agency's intentions behind the review delays.

In their letter, the lawmakers urged OSMRE to adhere to legal requirements, court-ordered deadlines, and commitments while prioritizing the needs of the communities dependent on these mines. They emphasized the importance of completing the environmental reviews in a timely manner to avoid any adverse impacts on the local economies and workforce.

The full letter to OSMRE can be accessed for further details on the lawmakers' call for expediting the review process of Montana mines.