big sky democrats

Legislation sponsored by Senator Max Baucus that will protect Montana’s wild Rocky Mountain Front from oil and gas development – forever – has just passed Congress. The threat from energy development has been removed – for good!

Senator Baucus’ legislation will prevent all future oil and gas leases on public lands on “the Front.” The ban on new leases will also allow a coalition of non-profit groups to purchase existing leases and permanently retire them, without fear the federal government could reissue the leases in the future.

The legislation will help to protect the Front’s magnificent hunting, wildlife, and scenic values for future generations.

The Front is in the top 1% of wildlife habitat in the nation, and is recognized as one of Montana’s premier wildlands. A unique landscape where the prairie suddenly rises up into soaring mountains and wild ridgelines, the Front is renowned for its beauty and visual splendor. It holds a special place in the hearts of Montanans.

Exceptional effort and dedication by Senator Baucus made this possible. Using his legislative experience and skill, Senator Baucus inserted the language protecting the Front into a tax bill moving through the closing Congress. Without his special efforts, this victory wouldn’t have happened.

Senator Baucus has been a champion of the Front since his first days as a Montana congressman and senator. We need to thank him for his accomplishment – for what he has done for one of Montana’s special places, and for our special legacy on the Front.

Please send congratulatory emails to Senator Baucus at:

max@baucus.senate.gov