Dave Chadwick
Executive Director
Montana Wildlife Federation PO Box 1175, Helena, MT 59601

Comments on Clean Power Plan Proposed Rule (Docket ID: EPA-HQ-OAR-2013-0602)

July 30, 2014

The Montana Wildlife Federation (MWF) is Montana's oldest and largest wildlife conservation organization. MWF was founded in 1936 by hunters, anglers, wildlife watchers, agricultural landowners, and other conservationists who were concerned about the loss of Montana's natural lands, healthy waters, and abundant wildlife. For the last eight decades, MWF has played a central role in efforts to protect the natural resources that define Montana's identity as the Last, Best Place. Our 5,000 members include hunters, anglers, and other conservationists from

around Montana and the nation.

Montana is an outdoor state, and we see firsthand the impacts that global warming is having on our lands, waters, fish, and wildlife. This fact — documented by an overwhelming global scientific consensus — is playing out on in very real ways in the Treasure State. Precipitation patterns are changing. Wildfires are more frequent and more intense. Drought is more common and more severe. Vegetation patterns are changing. Snowpack levels are down. Runoff is happening earlier, disrupting seasonal streamflow patterns. Water temperatures in our rivers and streams are rising.

All of these changes are having a very real impact on the ability of Montanans to hunt, fish, and enjoy our state's outdoors. Changes in vegetation are altering habitat for big game. Hunters report that the animals just aren't where they used to be. Warmer temperatures in September are making life difficult for bowhunters, who can't find animals and can't pack out game without spoilage. Drier conditions in the Prairie Pothole region are impacting waterfowl hunters and bird watchers. Higher water temperatures and diminished streamflows are stressing fish, forcing river closures during what used to be the peak of the fishing season. These changes are affecting the ability of people to hunt, fish, andotherwise enjoy our wildlife resources, ultimately undercutting our state's multibillion dollar outdoor economy.

Because of the impact that global warming has on fish, wildlife, and the outdoor traditions that depend on these resources, the Montana Wildlife Federation supports policies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. If we don't act now, these

Page 1 of 2problems will only get worse. We need to take steps to address global warming in

order to ensure that future generations can enjoy the hunting, fishing, and other outdoor traditions that we value as Montanans. We also need to protect the tens of thousands of jobs all over the state that depend on our natural environment and our rich outdoor recreation opportunities.

The Clean Power Plan represents a good step toward helping protect Montana from the threat of global warming. The plan calls for Montana to reduce our global warming pollution by 21 percent by 2030, in order to contribute to an overall nationwide reduction of 30 percent. The state-focused approach in the proposal will give Montana the flexibility to develop strategies that work for our resources, our economy, and our power needs.

In addition to the benefits of reducing global warming pollution, the Clean Power Plan has the potential to reduce other threats to fish and wildlife. Some of Montana's most wildlife rich areas are also targets for coal mining and other extractive activities. Reducing our national dependence on dirty energy sources will reduce pressure to destroy and fragment Montana's landscape, keeping these lands intact for future generations.

On the other side of the equation, the Clean Power Plan also holds great potential to enhance Montana's economy by creating new jobs in renewable energy and improving energy efficiency. Wind and other clean, renewable energy sources represent a potential growth industry for Montana. The state plans developed under the Clean Power Plan can provide for the responsible development of these renewable resources. Improving energy efficiency similarly holds the potential to save money for Montanans.

On behalf of the hundreds of thousands of Montanans who hunt, fish, and enjoy the outdoors — as well as the hundreds of thousands of Montanans who depend on our state's multi-billion dollar fish and wildlife-based outdoor economy — I urge you to support a strong Clean Power Plan that reduces greenhouse gas pollution.

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