Idaho wants to nullify EPA regulations. Could a water fight in Missoula, Montana lead to a new coop? President Obama is probably hoping that what happens down in Mexico, stays in Mexico. Conflicting Obamacare initiatives on the ballot in Montana? And, does the Montana University System have a problem with their admissions procedures as both campuses now face rape suspects who were allowed on campus even though administrators knew about their prior rap sheets. That and more is included in the Political Trough below.
The Daily Caller- GOING ROGUE: Idaho wants to nullify all EPA regulations
Idaho is sick of the Environmental Protection Agency telling it how to manage its natural resources— and lawmakers have proposed a bill that would nullify EPA regulations. And, does the Montana University System have a problem
“The bill doesn’t nullify regulations approved by Congress, Shepherd said, but does nullify regulations created by the EPA alone to implement legislation like the Clean Air and Clean Water Acts,” Shepherds said.
Unlike the U.S. Congress and most states, Idaho requires that the state legislature approve of all regulations being promulgated by state agencies.
Water fight in Missoula…
PSC’s Bill Gallagher says folks in Missoula should look @ creating a water coop, doesn’t think City of Missoula up to task. #MTPol #MTLeg
— Aaron Flint (@aaronflint) February 19, 2014
City council authorized a $50mm transaction & condemnation on 01/27. Didn’t see ANY financial info until 02/12. One word. #incompetence
— Adam Hertz (@AdamHertzMT) February 17, 2014
Fox News First: Obama defends Keystone delays
– Washington Examiner: “President Obama on Wednesday defended the administration’s review of the Keystone XL pipeline, while allowing that the process might seem “laborious” to Canada, which has urged the U.S. to quickly approve the project. ‘There is a process that has been gone through. And I know it’s been extensive and at times, I’m sure, [Canadian Prime Minister] Stephen [Harper] feels, a little too laborious,’ said Obama, flanked by Harper and Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto, during a joint press conference at the North American Leaders Summit in Toluca, Mexico.”
AP: Fox Approves Medicaid Expansion Ballot Language
Attorney General Tim Fox’s office, which conducts legal reviews of ballot initiatives, rejected an earlier version that would have appropriated money without legislative approval. Only state lawmakers can appropriate money.
The sponsors revised and resubmitted the proposal, which the attorney general’s office approved Tuesday after more revisions. The attorney general’s changes included stating that Medicaid expansion is contingent upon the Legislature approving the funding.
Bennion said in his letter to the Secretary of State’s office that the proposed Medicaid expansion would conflict with another proposed initiative that is under review. That measure calls for prohibiting any funding of the Affordable Care Act.
Does the Montana University System have a problem with their admissions procedures? This, as both campuses now face rape suspects who were allowed on campus after university administrators knew about their prior rap sheets.
OregonLive.com: FBI offers $10,000 reward for information leading to arrest of Montana fugitive Kevin Anthony Briggs
Kevin Anthony Briggs, 28, a convicted felon and registered sex offender, allegedly attacked a woman on the morning of Feb. 1, said Ayn Sandalo Dietrich, a spokeswoman for the FBI in Seattle. The woman told police that Briggs tried to strangle her before he left.
Dietrich said Briggs could be traveling through Washington to Oregon, California or Mexico. At the time of the alleged crimes, Briggs was on probation for a 2004 conviction for sexual intercourse without consent, aggravated kidnapping, escape and burglary in Lewis and Clark Count in Montana.
FBI offers $10,000 reward for info leading to arrest of Montana fugitive Kevin Anthony Briggs: http://t.co/0QHP4U4Jm0 pic.twitter.com/zcWKJQ9XPa
— The Oregonian (@Oregonian) February 19, 2014
Prior AP story: Montana State Knew Briggs had Rape Conviction
The University of Montana is facing a similar question as well. KGVO’s Peter Christian has the story:
University of Montana Vice President for Integrated Communications Peggy Kuhr said on Wednesday, that campus officials knew about the charges in Gallatin County. She said Schwartz was allowed to return to UM on several conditions, one of which was that he was not allowed to enter any of the dorms.