News Release

Governor-Elect Judy Martz
State Capitol, Helena, Montana 59620 Phone 406-444-3111

For immediate release: December 29, 2000
For more information: Anastasia Burton, 444-5523

Governor-Elect Martz Announces Another Legislative Priority

Governor Elect Judy Martz announced today that another of her major policy objectives for her Jobs and Opportunities Initiative during the upcoming legislative session is to modernize and streamline procedures for facilitating job creation in Montana.

"Our environmental protection laws are critical to promoting a clean and healthful environment, and I am committed to modernizing and streamlining the procedures for job creators with environmentally sound business plans to meet Montana's environmental standards in order to facilitate job creation," said Martz.

Martz, Lieutenant Governor Elect Karl Ohs and Congressman Rick Hill heard from 20 presenters at the Jobs and Opportunities Initiative Forum in Helena on December 12, many of whom expressed serious concerns about the delays and barriers caused by government agencies.

Martz said she has directed her staff to work with legislative leadership and with Jan Sensibaugh, her designate for Director of the Department of Environmental Quality, to pursue legislation that encompasses the following principles:

1) The procedures for meeting the requirements of the Montana Environmental Protection Act must be modernized in a manner that promotes responsible job creation and environmental protection.

2) Montana citizens deserve protection from anyone who irresponsibly negates their obligations to meet Montana's tough environmental standards with sound management practices and reclamation; and,

3) Montana must actively manage our resources with environmentally sensitive practices in order to create and sustain high paying jobs.

"I have promised the people of Montana that we will make government more responsive to the people who create high paying jobs in this state," said Martz. "I intend to work with all interested parties to help craft legislation that promotes environmentally responsible corporate citizenship."

The Governor-Elect already announced that energy issues would receive the full attention of her administration and will continue unveiling her other priorities in the coming days.