October 27, 2021
Given the extreme heat and smoke of the summer here in Montana, during which I could not let my 2 year old play outside much, I felt like it was high time I stepped up and shouldered more of my share of addressing climate change. Having monitored drought for Montana I know what a massive impact a summer like 2021 can have on producers and fire fighters alike. I also know that droughts have “long tails,” and the impacts to say a rancher’s herd this year will continue into the coming years as producers make decisions about what they can afford. And for those of us not so lucky to run a cow-calf operation, we will also feel the pinch in our pocket books by the likely impact to taxpayers by the $45.2 million in suppression costs spent so far this summer.
Not really knowing what to do about it all, it made sense to turn to a national organization with a concrete plan and approach for citizen engagement on this critical topic. As a member of Moms Clean Airforce, I took my lead from them and joined a call hosted by the Sierra Club and it was there I signed up to visit with Senator Tester’s staff, along with others from around Montana equally interested and concerned. I was so inspired to hear their reasons for calling in - from wanting greater equity for, and inclusion of, those not often at the decision table but highly impacted by heat, smoke, and drought - to those lamenting the impacts to fish and wildlife - to those saddened by the lack of concrete response from our state leaders.
The chance to visit with Sen. Tester’s staff was great and I’m indebted to the time and attention the Sierra folks offered in helping me get comfortable and know what to say in such an interface. The visit, done by Zoom, allowed for an opportunity to show support for Sen. Tester’s good work and also let him know where we still need him to show leadership, and frankly massive cojones. I wish our other Congressmen were as equally open to my view on this topic. I’m grateful that Montana still has at least one delegate who tells it like it is and takes on the tough fights to secure the future for our children and grandchildren.
Sounds like we’ll be hearing back from Sen. Tester by the end of the month and that means a lot to me. I’m really hoping I can count on him to stop the subsidization of oil and gas companies - who are on the dying end of the market and need to learn to pivot to economies that are seeing growth. I also pray with all my heart that he will support going carbon neutral by 2035. Both of these efforts would help this stressed out mom get more sleep at night.
Thanks to the Sierra Club, Moms Clean Air Force, and Senator Tester and his staff for making solutions to this climate crisis feel more attainable.
Ada Montague Stepleton
Missoula
Missoula