When government harms its citizens, can and should something be done about it? Absolutely.

Just because the government prefers to do something a certain way, like ignite an ill-timed prescribed burn in the forest and saturate our air with high levels of toxic smoke for days on end, it does not mean it is right or it should be allowed to continue. No private organization would be allowed to do this, why should the federal government?

 Keep in mind, that up until the 1970s, the federal government used DDT to kill insects, and Agent Orange to “help” our troops. But these practices proved harmful, so they were finally put to a stop.

It’s time to put a stop to forest management methods that cause harm to people as well, especially when safer alternatives exist.

Today we have a high ratio of people who don’t realize it is their right to change the actions of government agencies, especially when those actions cause harm. When it comes to federal actions, the “rubber stamp” syndrome has become especially problematic among state and local officials who have adopted the false doctrine that whatever the federal government does or says is what we have to live with. Some people actually don’t want you to believe anything can be done about it. In reality, with knowledge and courage, much can be done.

Local governments, the state Legislature, and the governor are the ones responsible for protecting public health, safety and welfare of the citizens within their jurisdictions. It is state and local officials, and citizens, who must step up and say “Hey, you can’t poison us anymore.” It is the citizens who must elect and support leaders with the courage to act.

Few elected officials have taken time to learn about their lawful authority, where it comes from, or how to use it to protect the interests of citizens. Some don’t even know this authority exists. Others don’t take this constitutional duty seriously. A growing number of legislators, county commissioners, sheriffs, and citizens across this nation do.

When a public statement was issued recently by the U.S. Forest Service, did you notice it said, “Keep in mind the fact that if you light a fire, you will be held accountable for your actions and what that fire eventually does.” Do you believe federal employees should be held accountable for the harm their fire and ensuing pollution caused?

In addition to working on efforts that would allow some federally controlled lands to be managed by willing states with more thoughtful accountable people in charge, I am also working on legislation that will hold the federal government accountable for violating their own pollution laws. Support for such efforts is growing across the nation.

The vast majority of us want healthy air, water, and wildlife, abundant outdoor recreation, and safe, vibrant communities. But federal public land management policies are too often resulting in dirty air and water, decimated wildlife, blocked off or destroyed recreation access, and depressed, unsafe communities. What we really need is to restore balance and free the lands from federal bureaucracy so we can have much more local input. Then we’ll be able to have a healthier environment, better recreation access, and safer, more vibrant communities.

As I have pursued legislation to reform public land management and shift more control to the people who live in affected areas, we have seen organized opposition determined to suppress this discussion and dirty the reputations of those of us who seek meaningful corrections in how our lands and resources are managed.

Call me crazy, extreme, dangerous, silly, or whatever, but I believe the law should apply equally to all people whether they are government employees or not. And when safer alternatives exist, our government should use them. We can and should put a stop to the days when our government is allowed to mismanage our public lands, kill our economy, pollute our skies, and poison our people. Better alternatives exist. It is our right and duty to pursue them.

For more info or to help out, please connect with me at www.jenniferfielder.us or email me at sen.jennifer.fielder@mt.gov

Fielder, a Thompson Falls Republican, is state senator for District 7.