PRESS RELEASE
April 14, 2025
Contact: 350 Montana, 350montana@gmail.com, 406 880-8320
Download the flyer (PDF)
MISSOULA, MONTANA – Earth Day, April 22, has been an American staple for the past 55 years, and this year, thanks to efforts by University of Montana climate activists and 350 Montana, it’s taking on new relevance.
Dual Earth Day rallies to show support for climate action will take place at 2 P.M. on the oval at UM and at 3:30 P.M. at the Missoula County Courthouse. Also featured is a “sustainability fair” featuring more than 50 environmental and community organizations outside on the UM oval from 11:30 A.M. to 2 P.M.
“Planet Earth doesn’t do politics,” says UM organizer Madeline Grebb. “What we’re seeing in Montana – floods, degraded rivers, megafires, hurricanes, and drought – is telling us we must pay attention and do the hard things necessary to reverse this hot-house warming.”
“Doing away with clean energy incentives, the hunting and dismissing of climate scientists, and the gutting of research and climate assessments is going to hurt all Americans and all people on the planet,” says Jeff Smith, 350 Montana’s co-chair. “Those in power right now are trying to silence us, to shock us into complying with policies that will permanently damage Mother Earth. But it won’t work because the climate movement is too strong.”
UM students, including one who was a successful plaintiff in the Held v. Montana trial – the first case in the nation to prove that the fossil fuels are threatening our “clean and healthful environment” – will speak at the University rally at 2 P.M.
Then, after a walk downtown to the courthouse, at 3:30 P.M., Missoula County Commissioner Juanita Vero and Missoula Mayor Andrea Davis – and others – will speak about how local officials are working to mitigate and adapt to climate change.