The fossil

While Montana’s delegation congratulated itself that public lands would not be going on sale, Sen. Steve Daines kowtowed to donors and inserted language in the Big Ugly Bill enabling widespread, low-cost leasing.

Lunch monster

Governor Gianforte vetoed House Bill 551; it would have covered the co-pay for students’ reduced-cost lunches. This would have helped both families and school districts at a fairly low annual cost.

Hucksters

Senators Mike Lee (R-Blootah) and Steve Daines (R-Monotony) have introduced an amendment to the Big Ugly Bill. It would mandate the sale of massive amounts of federal lands to private interests.

Fossil fuel folly

The benighted energy policies of the Trump administration have led to an under-informed approval for the Bull Mountain Mine to expand. This threatens neighboring land and will accelerate global warming. And nearly all of the coal is exported to Asia.