FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 16, 2021

Montana Conservation Voters Education Fund, Montana Book Company and Local Artist Terri Porta Team Up for Climate Action with Mayor Wilmot Collins

Helena community day of action with Montana small businesses, artistand Mayor highlights the urgent need for climate action and clean energy jobs 

(HELENA, Mont.) –  Today, the Montana Conservation Voters Education Fund, the Montana Book Company and Mayor Wilmot Collins joined forces to highlight the need for climate action. The downtown outdoor art activation with local Montana artist Terri Porta connected Montana’s urgent need to address climate issues in the state with the stories of the people and the communities impacted by the climate crisis.

Helena Mayor Collins released the following statement:

“I am so encouraged to see Helena small businesses, nonprofits and local citizens come together and call for action on climate change. After this year’s hot, smoky summer, there’s no denying we need policies to protect our beautiful state now and for generations to come.”

These activations come after a summer of unprecedented heatwaves and relentless wildfires and smoke that have impacted the Helena Valley. With the latest Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change report citing a “code red for humanity,” communities are mobilizing to demand action at the scale that science and justice require. Today’s art activation is just another way Montanans are coming together across the country to call for bold climate infrastructure investments that deliver clean energy and jobs. The climate art installation is one of three across the state that brings together local businesses, elected officials, and Montanans for climate action now.

Artist Terri Porta, who painted the “climate action now” bison on the front window of the Montana Book Company, had this to say about the event:

“It’s not every day that I get to use my art to inspire Montanans to act on climate.  We need to work together as Montanans to push our lawmakers to protect our beautiful state through climate policy action.”

Additionally, the MCV Education Fund announced a letter to Senator Tester signed by 34 local Montana businesses. The letter thanks the Senator for his work to include climate provisions in the bipartisan infrastructure bill and Build Back Better Reconciliation bill and encourages him to keep up the fight for effective climate policies. Montana’s outdoor economy drives millions of dollars into the state every year; Montana business owners want to address climate change and keep their businesses alive.

Chelsia Rice, co-owner of the Montana Book Company:

“Not only is the Montana Book Company delighted to host such an important art installation, but we are also proud to sign our name next to dozens of small businesses across the state in support of climate action. We are encouraged by the work Senator Tester has already done and urge him to keep up the fight in support of climate action now.”

The MCV Education Fund Executive Director Whitney Tawney was encouraged by the turnout of Montanans at all three events and the support from the communities who hosted them.

“Montanans know our way of life is dependent upon clean and sustainable public lands and air. Senator Tester’s leadership on climate action is what Montanans need and events like today’s encourage him to keep up the fight for Montanans now and generations to come.” 

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