Tester Pushes for Action on Montana Headwaters Legacy Act After Senate Hearing

Senator’s legislation would protect 384 miles of Montana rivers

As part of his continued push to protect Montana’s land and waters for future generations, U.S. Senator Jon Tester today urged his colleagues on the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee to take action on his Montana Headwaters Legacy Act following a hearing on the bill.

“My folks always said we’re renting this land from our children and our grandchildren, and we ought to leave it better than we found it – which is why I was happy to join this effort when Montanans brought me the Montana Headwaters Legacy Act,” said Tester. “As we see an influx of people in our state and greater demand on our rivers, it’s more important than ever for us to take actions to preserve these rivers and the jobs and way of life they support. After hearing my bill today, I am urging the Energy and Natural Resources Committee to take action on this bill now to protect 384 miles of Montana rivers and ensure they can be enjoyed for generations to come.”

Tester’s Montana Headwaters Legacy Act will protect 384 miles of Montana’s most iconic rivers—including the Gallatin, Madison, and Smith as well as headwater streams in the Custer-Gallatin National Forest—to ensure they are permanently protected for the benefit and enjoyment of current and future generations from short-sighted special interests. The legislation brings together conservationists, outfitters, and recreationalists alike, and is supported by the Greater Yellowstone Coalition, American Rivers, American Whitewater, the Montana Chapter of Backcountry Hunters & Anglers, and the Gallatin River Task Force.

As a longtime public lands advocate, Tester has long fought to secure funding to improve access, make infrastructure improvements, and preserve Montana’s outdoor heritage. He championed the Great American Outdoors Act, legislation that secures permanent funding for the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) at $900 million annually and allocates $9.5 billion to address maintenance backlogs on public lands across the United States. Additionally, his Blackfoot-Clearwater Stewardship Act, which is supported by 85% of Montanans and would create jobs, protect thousands of acres of public land, and ensure future generations can access the world-class outdoor recreational opportunities available in the Blackfoot River Watershed,  passed through the Senate Committee on Environment and Natural Resources, setting up the legislation for a full Senate vote.