About 80 climate change activists rallied in Missoula this morning.
Led by Jeff Smith of the group 350Missoula, they gathered in front of Senator Steve Daines’ office here. There were there to, they said, “protest the senator’s denial of climate change science and his support for fossil fuel projects like coal exports, the Otter Creek Coal Mine, and the Keystone XL pipeline."
Several activists entered Daines’ office and refused to leave. They say the Senator has refused to engage in a meaningful dialogue to address the imminent dangers of human-caused climate change, and therefore they were engaging in an act of civil disobedience.
After about three and a half hours police came and cited 14 of the activists for criminal trespass. The activists then left. Senator Daines’ office issued a statement, saying that he, "appreciates Montanans taking time to share their views with him and his staff. Some are looking for ways to sensationalize and drive media attention to causes that are important to them. We always welcome Montanans to engage in thoughtful and respectful conversations with us."
