MEIC has long been known for its work on irresponsible hardrock mining in Montana—specifically for its role in passing I-137, the citizen-passed law that prohibits new open pit, cyanide-leach mines in the state.

But in recent years, in part due to changes in the global economy, hardrock mining issues are no longer at the forefront of environmental issues that face the state today.

Coal mining has seen an insurgence in recent years, especially with Gov. Schweitzer as one of the industry's largest allies and Montana holding one-quarter of the nation's coal reserves.

As Montana’s population continues to grow, and as more new houses, roads, and highways are built, many new gravel pits (also called open-cut mines) are being developed in the state.  Yet Montana’s laws contain only minimal provisions for their regulation. As Montana’s environmental “watchdog,” with a long and successful history of influencing state and federal agencies, MEIC is uniquely positioned to ensure that Montanans’ constitutional rights are protected from the permitting of un-analyzed gravel pits.