Daines Doesn’t Join Senate Group Calling for William Perry Pendley’s Removal as Acting Director of the BLM

In recent months, Daines has engaged in a “conservation charade” in an attempt to greenwash his abysmal public lands record now that he’s facing a tough reelection campaign. However, Daines stood by William Perry Pendley for months even as “more than 100 conservation organizations” fiercely opposed his nomination. Only after he realized that supporting Pendley put his reelection in a tough spot did he backtrack on his position. 

That’s not the first time Daines has played politics with Montana’s public lands. Just last week, Daines released a campaign ad touting his support for the Yellowstone Gateway Protection Act despite refusing to co-sponsor the bill for more than a year and a half amidst overwhelming public support. Only after months of public pressure – and when it became clear the bill would become law with or without him – did Daines finally offer his support for the bill. 

“Montanans can only count on Steve Daines to fight for their way of life when it’s politically convenient for him,” said MDP Communications Advisor Christina Wilkes. “Governor Bullock, on the other hand, has fought tirelessly to protect Montana’s public lands, and he’ll continue that fight every day in the Senate.”