by Mark Van Loon, Hamilton
More questions for Scott Osterman and USCM:
Scott, you say: “During my time as Director of the Montana Department of Commerce, allegations were made about my conduct… The conclusion was clear: I did not violate state policy. No findings of wrongdoing were made.”
If that’s true, then why did “Osterman indeed paid back the state about $29,700… roughly equal to the sum of the expenses the probe identified as disallowed and those identified as questionable.” And “Osterman resigned Wednesday evening…” So. “[Gianforte] found out about it, had the director pay the amount he owed to the State of Montana in full, and accepted his resignation.” (as reported by MTFP in 2023)
I read the report you reference which was written many months after you repaid the money and resigned. So, how about showing us the letter of apology from the State of MT and the check stub for the reimbursement of $29,700? And why weren’t you reinstated to your job? After all, if you were exonerated and did nothing wrong, why act like you’re guilty? Quack, quack… More of your smoke and mirrors?
But this isn’t really about Osterman. He’s just a symptom. Osterman and USCM talk about “trust and transparency” from us when they offer none.
USCM “drops” their PoO (Plan of Operation) and Exploratory Permit application, all on the fast track, which has a limited time frame for comment and evaluation just before a major holiday with a two week break for many. You can read about their omissions, fantasies, and incomplete analysis and documentation at most news outlets.
They send Scott Osterman to smooth talk us. And the whole thing is a pig in a poke: the “mine of the future” is wholly dependent on a technology not yet tested and a mineral extraction process that hasn’t even been invented yet, let alone peer reviewed or tested under scrutiny. And what is their motto: “This time will be different.” We’ve been hearing that for over 100 years and it’s never been different. One small glitch or misstep, accident or “oops” and this project has the potential to devastate the entire economy and livelihoods of not only the Bitterroot Valley but everything south of I-90 and west of the Divide. Actually, air quality implications will very likely spread over the Divide to central MT and beyond while water quality issues will spread westward via the Clark Fork.
But do USCM and Osterman care? Doubtful. He lives in the Kalispell area and USCM is in Utah. And as long as they can get their “30 pieces of silver” well, you get the idea.
Please stay informed and engaged. And make your voice heard to elected officials: federal, state, and local – especially Ranger Dan Pliley, West Fork Ranger District, BNF. Daniel.pliley@usda.gov. Remember, it is an election year.
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