State Supt. Denise Juneau's statement against leasing Otter Creek

On December 21, 2009, the Montana State Land Board voted 4-1 to lease the state-owned portion of the Otter Creek Coal Tracts for an open pit coal mine. Northern Plains Resource Council has opposed the leasing of this land because the coal is less marketable for its high sodium content, would drive other Montana coal mines out of business, would require the industrialization of the rural Tongue River Valley in southeastern Montana by building the Tongue River Railroad, would contribute to environmental damage to air, water, and land in the area, and will pump one billion tons of greenhouse gasses into the atmosphere when the coal is burned.

Superintendent of Public Instruction Denise Juneau was the only member of the board to vote "no." Following is the statement she read before casting her vote:

"This is a huge issue for many Montanans. I know we have all heard many arguments, both pro and con, from hundreds of citizens all across this state. I appreciated our public hearings in Miles City and Lame Deer, in addition to all the public comment at our meetings here in Helena. I value all of the input and advice that poured in from many different fronts, tribal, county, business, environmental, political, and industry. This decision is not easy, and I know each of us spent hours reading, discussing, and meeting about this issue and I respect every board member's vote today. After weighing every component and factor, I have come to the conclusion that I must vote 'no' on going forward to lease the Otter Creek tracts.

"Those who support development might say that I am not meeting my fiduciary responsibility by refusing a simple "yes" vote. A 'yes' vote might result in bonus bid funds to off-set general fund obligations of the legislature. It is not that simple, however. A 'yes' vote would not necessarily be in the best interests of the school trust beneficiaries. It is time for us to be visionary. We cannot vote as if we have blinders on and only see our present economic picture. We must take lessons from the past seven generations and also look forward and provide for the interests of the next seven generations.

"Of course there is value in mining the coal, potentially a lot of money over the next 40 to 50 years, but there is also value in keeping Montana 'Montana.' A large part of Montana's economic history is from extracting non-renewable resources. We are all familiar with Berkley Pit, the mining consequences at the Milltown Dam, and the physical and financial repercussions of the vermiculite mine in Libby.

"There is an argument that the immediate value gained in extracting this finite resource might be lost in other, tangible costs to the state and its people, including school children. Montana's future economy and the sustainable value to the school trust lands could very well be in preserving the land for future beneficiaries. Whether for other purposes or future development, technology continues to advance. The coal is not going anywhere. It is entirely possible that these lands will only become more valuable.

"Critics might also say a 'no' vote means I don't support our schools. Oof course I support our schools. I support our schools so much that I ran for the office that oversees all of our public schools. We need to remember the amount of funding going to our schools is a decision for the legislature, and is not based on this vote. I am not turning my back on money for schools. I am upholding my duty and my responsibility to the children of this great state and saying that the greatest value and the best use of that land should not be determined by this board today.

"The Land Board has been diligent in its development of resources and leasing of lands all across this state. We could sell every parcel of state land and log every tree on state lands, but we don't. We don't because we want to sustain Montana's lands for the future beneficial use. That is sound stewardship.

"In this case, development is a one-shot deal. The determination of the real value of this land should not hinge on this vote. I cannot in good faith vote to disregard the future potential of these lands.

"Thank you, Governor, for allowing me this explanation of my vote."