Speeches

Libby Superfund Designation
Speaking Points - Governor Judy Martz
December 20, 2001
Speaking Time: 15 minutes

***Check Against Delivery***

Good afternoon.

After many months of careful, thoughtful research and analysis, I have made my decision regarding the proposed Superfund designation for Libby. I wanted you to hear it first and I wanted you to hear it from me.

Let me start by introducing those members of my team who have joined me today in this announcement.

Mike Foster serves as my policy director.

Todd O'Hair is my natural resources policy advisor.

Jan Sensibaugh, the director of our state's Department of Environmental Quality, and Gail Gray, the director of our Department of Public Health and Human Services, have joined me here today as well. Thank you for being here.

I also want to thank John Wardell, with the Environmental Protection Agency, for traveling here with us today.

In my first year as Governor, this community and my Administration have worked through many challenges. Like you, we have wrestled with what would be the best solution for this community.

I cannot thank you enough for always being forthright with me. I greatly appreciate the honest, respectful dialogue we have experienced through this process.

I have learned from this community and the people at the heart of her. I have looked into your eyes and seen the pain and the frustration you have felt. And I understand your deep convictions to make your community whole again.

The people of Libby represent everything that is right about America. You are honest, hardworking people, with a deep sense of community and pride.

This is a community that has seen some rough times, yet you remain committed to working toward a better future.

A new day is dawning in Libby. It will dawn on the strengths of the people that call this town home.

People like Les Skramstad.

Les is one of the many great Montanans I have met in my travels. I am proud to call him my friend. But, Les and I have had our share of differences. We have not always seen eye-to-eye.

I turn to Les because he understands the concept that respect and civility are the foundation of progress.

As an example, in the midst of the controversy swirling around the Superfund designation in Libby, Les wrote me one day to wish me well and to offer to work together on reviving the timber industry.

While he may never pick up a chainsaw again, or operate a log boom, Les never stopped worrying about others and his community. He wants nothing more than to make sure that the people of Libby can proudly live, work and raise a family.

This has been a long decision-making process. I have had numerous questions for the EPA, the people of Libby, W.R. Grace, and others involved in this designation.

I have taken a measured approach in order to gain the information needed to make the best decision for Libby.

As Governor, I do not have the luxury of posturing for the sake of politics. I don't have the luxury of making promises that I cannot deliver.

Together, we are going to figure out a way to make Libby a vibrant economy again. Building on the relationship we've forged, we will bring good paying jobs back to this town. We will work together to plan a brighter future.

That is why today, I am announcing my decision to support a Superfund designation for Libby.

But I am not just here to support the designation.

In addition, I am here to announce that I will utilize Montana's one and only Silver Bullet.

Let me explain. One of the reasons I decided to use the Silver Bullet is because the EPA has committed to following items.

First, the EPA and the State of Montana, in conjunction with the community, must work together to arrive at an appropriate number of Operable Units within the Superfund designation.

Second, the residential and business district must be cleaned and de-listed within a minimum amount of time. I am asking that the town be cleaned and de-listed in three years.

A prolonged cleanup is not acceptable to this community or me. I want the EPA to commit to moving this cleanup as quickly as possible.

Third, businesses and homeowners must not be held financially accountable for the costs of cleanup activities.

Fourth, houses and businesses will receive a document certifying EPA's completion of cleanup in that home or business.

Additionally, I am requesting that the EPA work closely with Stimson Lumber in a manner that does not jeopardize the financial stability of that business in Libby.

And finally, local residents must be employed to the extent possible for all investigative and remedial efforts. Wherever possible, jobs created from the clean up should go to the local community first.

As you know, I have struggled deeply with whether or not to use the Silver Bullet in Libby, and have expressed to this community my reservations about this option.

I do not take the business of expending Montana's sole Silver Bullet lightly.

I use the Silver Bullet recognizing that no future Governor - ever - will have this option available to them.

However, in reaching this decision, I have come to believe that the known risks of today outweigh the unknown risks of tomorrow.

While I am confident that cleanup would progress with a normal Superfund listing process, the risk of a delay still hangs as a possibility. I know that a delay is unacceptable to you, and it is also unacceptable to me.

I am committed to the community of Libby. We have come a long way together and we have a long way yet to go. But I want you to know, I will work with you.

I want to see a sign in the future at each entrance of Libby - "Libby is 'open for business'".

God Bless you, and from the bottom of my heart, have a Merry Christmas.

-end-

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