In Wake Of Timber Layoffs, Gianforte Hammers Bullock For Failing To Exercise "Good Neighbor" Authority

Press Release

There's been a lot of talk about what was said during Sunday's gubernatorial candidate debate in Big Sky. But it's what wasn't said during Sunday's debate held by the Montana Broadcasters Association that fired up Bozeman businessman and tech entrepreneur Greg Gianforte.

GIANFORTE: "We just had 100 folks in Columbia Falls laid off last week. And, you know what, the governor didn't even mention the word timber once in Sunday's debate. I think we saw a governor more interested in saving his own job, than saving the jobs of the countless Montanans who've been put out of work."

Montana has lost over 500 timber jobs in the past year. Last week, Weyerhaeuser announced the closing of lumber and plywood mills in Columbia Falls- leading to an additional 100 job losses.

In the wake of lost timber jobs, Gianforte is calling out Bullock for failing to exercise "Good Neighbor Authority" agreements allowed under the federal Farm Bill. "Good Neighbor Authority" is allowed under federal law. Montana's entire congressional delegation, Democrat and Republican, voted for it. The Governor of Wisconsin has already exercised this authority, as have at least 17 other states, and the Good Neighbor Agreement in Wisconsin is expected to increase timber harvests on one forest by 25 percent.

GIANFORTE: "Montana should be taking the lead in efforts to provide healthier forests and more timber for our mills. Instead, a lack of leadership in Helena has led to the lack of a Good Neighbor Agreement with the US Forest Service. The governor had tools in his tool box to help with timber jobs, and he's failed to use them."

Over 600 timber jobs have now been lost under Bullock's recent watch. Instead of simply blaming the Obama Administration, Gianforte continues to ask why the governor has failed to utilize existing authority or support land management reforms supported by Congressman Ryan Zinke and Senator Steve Daines.

"This comes down to a lack of leadership in the Governor's office in Helena," says Gianforte.

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