U.S. House Republicans passed a rules package – after a tortuous five-day vote to find someone both willing and popular enough to lead their caucus – that includes a new rule that would make it easier to transfer public lands, a move that conservation and sportsmen groups have long decried.

Rosendale and Zinke removed the greatest obstacle to selling off our public lands, ignoring the will of their constituents. No real surprise.

Montana Gov. Greg Gianforte asked Montana Supreme Court justices to reverse a 1999 decision that upholds abortion access, in favor of allowing state legislators to set new laws.

Martha Fuller, CEO of Planned Parenthood said ".. the governor’s insistence that the Legislature has the final say on the restriction or elimination of a fundamental right is an insult to Montanans and our Constitution.” Gianforte leads the Republican attack on women.

What’s happening in the American west is part of a wider trend affecting hundreds of millions of people across the world who are impacted by climate change, UNEP said, as drought and desertification are quickly becoming the new normal everywhere – from the US to Europe and Africa.

Experts warn that as the crisis deepens, water cuts will need to be introduced, but may not be enough. We must act to protect the environment!