Montana Sen. Max Baucus testified on behalf of the Rocky Mountain Front Heritage Act today before a key panel in the U.S. Senate.
During the hearing in the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee in Washington D.C., Baucus made a plea in favor of the Montana-made bill.
“Montanans want to keep the Front the way it is. It is our heritage. In the best tradition of public lands, Montanans from all walks of life came up with the Heritage Act themselves,” Baucus said. “I’m determined to bring it to the finish line because it’s good policy today that ensures our moral obligation for tomorrow, for our kids and grandkids,” Baucus said.
Baucus named the Rocky Mountain Front Heritage Act one of his top legislative priorities in his final term in the U.S. Senate.
The Rocky Mountain Heritage Act is the result of a wide variety of Montanans working together since 2007 to develop a cooperative effort to preserve the Front, while protecting grazing opportunities for ranchers and public access for hunters, fishermen and outdoor enthusiasts, Baucus’ office said.
Baucus first introduced the bill on behalf of its grassroots supporters in October of 2011 after attending public listening sessions with Montanans. Montana Sen. Jon Tester is an original co-sponsor of the bill.