FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 1, 2025

MCV applauds Montana lawmakers’ rejection of public land privatization

Resolution to support transfer of federal public lands fails Montana House

(HELENA, Mont.) – Today the Montana Conservation Voters Education Fund (MCV) celebrates the Montana House’s rejection of House Joint Resolution 24 that supported Utah’s lawsuit to seize control over more than 18 million acres of federal public land. Additionally, HJ 24 stated that the federal government’s management of 30 percent of the land in Montana “unconstitutionally deprives Montana of its sovereignty.”

“This is a major victory for Montana’s public lands and the future of outdoor access,” said Whitney Tawney, Executive Director of Montana Conservation Voters. “We are proud of the lawmakers who stood up for our public lands and denied this misguided attempt to privatize our shared resources. Public lands are the cornerstone of what makes Montana special, and today, Montana’s lawmakers listened to the people, not special interests.”

The defeat of this resolution is a significant step forward in the ongoing fight to protect Montana’s public lands and prevent the privatization of these lands. MCV through its network and partners helped thousands of Montanans make their voices heard through petitions, rallies at the Montana capitol, phone calls and hearings.

While the resolution has been defeated for now, MCV alongside Montanans remains vigilant and committed to protecting the integrity of public lands. The organization will continue to monitor any future attempts to privatize public lands and work with lawmakers and communities to defend the values that make Montana’s landscapes so unique.