MEIC Executive Director Anne Hedges speaking at the Fight Oligarchy town hall in Missoula on April 16, 2025.
by Shannon James
The 2025 Montana Legislative Session has officially wrapped, and needless to say, the MEIC team is ready for a well-earned moment of rest and recovery. But even as we catch our breath, one truth remains clear: the work doesn’t stop here. Protecting Montana’s clean air, clean water, and stable climate is a year-round commitment.
With the current presidential administration pursuing widespread deregulation, the path forward often feels like an uphill battle. Environmental rollbacks are piling up at the federal level, threatening hard-won protections and undermining public trust. In moments like these, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. But it’s exactly in these moments that we must pause, reflect, and recognize every victory — no matter how small. Because movement-building isn’t about instant transformation; it’s about persistence, unity, and celebrating each step forward. And this year, Montanans showed up.
The final stretch of the Legislative Session was packed with rallies, Earth Day events, and passionate grassroots energy. One standout moment for our small nonprofit came when MEIC’s Anne Hedges took the stage to open the “Fight the Oligarchy” rally in Missoula ahead of speakers like Tracy Stone-Manning, Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, and Sen. Bernie Sanders (pictured). On a Tuesday afternoon, more than 9,000 Montanans packed the venue and gathered outside, coming together to push back against unchecked corporate power, systemic greed, and growing political corruption. It was a reminder of the power in collective action.
Building power starts in our communities. It starts with people showing up, making calls, testifying at hearings, writing letters, knocking doors, and supporting one another. The bills we tracked this session generated tens of thousands of grassroots actions — phone calls, public comments, and citizen advocacy that made a real impact. And the work continues.
There are several critical opportunities ahead for Montanans to stay engaged and make an impact. From June 9-20, the Public Service Commission will hold hearings on NorthWestern Energy’s rate case, a vital chance for the public to speak out on issues of affordability, fairness, and the urgent need to transition to clean energy. Later this fall, NorthWestern’s Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) will open for public comment. This long-term energy blueprint determines what types of energy infrastructure Montana invests in, what sources power our homes and businesses, and what kind of energy future we leave for the next generation. Meanwhile, at the federal level, we must remain vigilant and united in opposing regulatory rollbacks that threaten the air we breathe, the water we drink, our public lands, and our shared climate. MEIC will let you know when the time is right for you to weigh in and raise your voice.
We face immense challenges. But we also have incredible opportunities. Clean energy technology is more affordable and more accessible than ever. Montana has incredible wind and solar potential. We could be generating good-paying jobs, lowering electricity costs for families, and reducing pollution in our communities. The path to a more sustainable and equitable future is possible. That’s why MEIC is committed to keeping the momentum going with your help.
Longtime MEIC supporter Mindy Ferrell understands the power of collective action. A dedicated community organizer and staunch defender of Montana’s constitution, Mindy values MEIC’s role in shaping civic engagement.
“MEIC has been the gold standard when it comes to civic education, legislative engagement, and outreach. I look to them as a model for active citizenship,” Mindy said. “They’ve built a strong, dedicated audience, and I hope that momentum goes beyond the legislative session. We need to keep showing up and staying engaged to make a meaningful impact throughout the state.”
The road ahead is long, but Montanans have never shied away from hard work. This movement is growing. And together, we are just getting started.
This article was published in the June 2025 issue of Down To Earth.
