A mom concerned about energy costs, a forester, a doctor, and former Miss Montana USA are among the many Montana residents who will share compelling stories and perspectives with members of Congress this month.
At least 25 people from the Montana chapters of Citizens’ Climate Lobby (CCL) will join a nationwide lobbying push the week of Nov. 17–21, to express their desire for affordable clean energy and policy that combats wildfire risk. They will be joined by Chambers of Commerce CEOs and County Commissioners.
Americans, including households in Montana, are increasingly experiencing rising electricity costs driven by escalating climate extremes and the rapid growth of energy-intensive data centers.
“I’m lobbying our members of Congress to ask them to support speeding up the permitting process for urgently needed electricity transmission lines. The needs of both AI and our own residential needs are rapidly out-pacing our nation’s ability to get electricity delivered to where it is needed,” says Michael Flanagan, a retired US Forest Service employee.
“Permitting reform and forest health may sound technical, but they’re essential to speeding up the clean energy transition and keeping our communities safe,” said Sandy Welgreen, a Helena doctor.
“Our state has seen firsthand the impacts of a changing climate—from air pollution, record heat, drought, flooding, and wildfires—underscoring the need for policies like the Fix Our Forests Act that reduce wildfire risk through science-based forest restoration,” said Mady Rigg, Miss Montana USA (2023), whose family has long ties to cattle ranching in Montana. “Our volunteers are proving that everyday citizens can help Congress find common ground on climate.”
During meetings with the offices of Senators Daines and Sheehy and Representatives Downing and Zinke, citizen lobbyists from across Montana will appeal for Congressional action to fast-track comprehensive energy permitting reform to get more affordable clean electricity on the grid as the cost of living skyrockets.
“I am lobbying for congressional approval of comprehensive permitting reform because I want to see Montana expand development of its large “eternal” capacity for wind and solar power that will help ranchers and rural communities stay afloat economically,” says Jim Amonette, a scientist in Sweet Grass County who works on ways to increase organic matter in soils.
“We all have a responsibility to urge our Montana members of Congress (be it via phone calls, emails, or letters) to do the right thing—support comprehensive permitting reform to speed up new clean energy projects, provide major health benefits, drive down costs, and keep energy affordable for all Montanans,” says Sister Ann Schoch, a School Sister of Notre Dame from Billings.
They will also discuss the bipartisan Fix Our Forests Act, a bill that is co-sponsored by Senator Tim Sheehy and that recently passed the Senate Agriculture Committee. It would ensure U.S. forests are well-maintained and resilient in the face of increasing wildfires. Wildfire smoke contributes to the deaths of about 40,000 people a year in the U.S. according to a study by Nature. Alarmingly, that number is projected to rise to 70,000 people by 2050. Many Montanans and people across our country suffer from the impacts of wildfire smoke.
Prior to lobby meetings, local volunteers with CCL will attend CCL’s virtual Fall Conference on Nov. 14–15, featuring empowering speakers and training opportunities to build common ground across political divides.
“CCL’s willingness to reach across divides and build bridges is what sets us apart, and we’re needed more than ever these days,” said Ricky Bradley, CCL’s Interim Executive Director. “I’m excited about the ways we will help move the conversation forward on clean energy through federal permitting reform, and I’m proud of our ongoing commitment to do this work in a nonpartisan way.”
“We know that bipartisan solutions are possible when citizens speak up,” concurs Dan Struckman, whose paternal grandparents homesteaded near Big Timber about 1912.
“During this Congress, our volunteers have worked hard to show Senators Daines and Sheehy and Representatives Downing and Zinke that our communities want cheaper energy, clean air, and protection for the forests we love,” added Michael Flanagan.
MT-CCL volunteers met with congressional offices 20 times and hosted many community events across Montana this year. Nationwide, CCL volunteers have generated tens of thousands of messages and calls this year urging Congress to advance durable, bipartisan climate policies.
By Alexandra Amonette: November 3, 2025 – Big Timber, Mt
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