Many climate advocates are placing a lot of hope in nuclear energy, but is this experimental, expensive technology worth the risks?
From the harmful impacts of extracting uranium on Indigenous people to the byproducts of nuclear energy being used to create nuclear weapons, the costs of nuclear energy go beyond an inflated price tag. As utilities scramble to meet the soaring energy demand projections from AI and data centers, there are far cheaper and safer clean energy alternatives ready to bring power onto the grid today.
Join the Montana Environmental Information Center, Rep. Shelly Fyant, and Honor the Earth in a discussion about the false promises — and very real impacts — of nuclear energy and why it’s not the climate solution we need right now.
Refreshments will be provided.
Date: Monday, Sep 29th
Time: 5:30 pm
Location: Goodworks Place, 129 W Alder St, Missoula, MT 59802
This panel features:
Nick Fitzmaurice, MEIC Energy Transition Engineer
Nick holds a BS in Industrial and Management Systems Engineering from MSU, focused through a minor in Sustainability and Environmental Stewardship to establish a technical foundation from which he grounds his energy and environmental advocacy work. He worked at the university’s Office of Sustainability for four years and was a key contributor to securing an ambitious carbon neutrality goal for the institution. He has also worked in Washington, D.C. in energy policy and modeling.
Rep. Shelly Fyant, House District 91
Shelly Fyant, Bitterroot Salish, is the mother of 4 adult sons, 7 grandchildren, and 2 great granddaughters. Her people were removed from their traditional homelands in the Bitterroot Valley in October 1891 after 36 years of resisting removal. She currently serves as the Food Sovereignty Chair for the Arlee Community Development Corporation. She has focused her work on food security since 2016, when she served on the CSKT Tribal Council. While on Council, she saw the Tribal purchase of the Selis Ksanka Qlispe Dam and the finalization of the long negotiated water compact which returned the Bison Range to the CSKT. Shelly is serving her first term in the House of Representatives in the Montana State Legislature representing House District 91, covering parts of the Flathead Indian Reservation, Lake, Sanders and Missoula counties. She was an active voice on two nuclear bills this recent legislative session, fighting for amendments to protect tribal sovereignty around nuclear development in Montana. She lives in Arlee in the Jocko Valley near her Mom and cherishes the time with the 5 generations her family enjoys.
Otto Braided Hair III, Honor the Earth
Otto Braided Hair III is dedicated to supporting Native communities through renewable energy, cultural revitalization, and workforce development. He has a background in construction, fiber optics, and energy systems, and has managed projects that reduced energy burdens for families while creating meaningful job opportunities. Otto has also worked with colleges and community members to develop training programs that prepare people for high-paying technical careers and to strengthen local capacity. His work is rooted in preserving culture, sharing knowledge with the next generation, and ensuring that our people have the tools to build sustainable and resilient futures.
This event is a part of Climate Smart Missoula’s Climate Solutions Week, starting Sept 27 through Oct 5. See the full schedule of events here.
