Border Dispute May Turn International

MONTANA, Nov 27 (Neo Natura) - International law could bolster the state of Montana’s position in a coal mining dispute with Canada, and tying the controversy to broader environmental concerns might provide the forum for much-needed “quiet diplomacy” on the issue.

That’s the opinion of two recent visitors from British Columbia, an activist and an expert in international water law, who came to Whitefish this week to address the Flathead Coalition. The coalition has long been concerned with British Columbia’s coal and coalbed methane proposals north of Glacier National Park.

“As with all legal matters, there are different opinions,” said Richard Paisley. “But from my perspective, I see what’s coming down from B.C. as violating the standards of international law.”

In Montana, the flathead river corridor enjoys some of the nation’s most stringent environmental protections, and downstream interests worry Canadian energy development could harm fish, wildlife and water quality south of the border.

Recently, Chloe O’Loughlin said, Canadians likewise have been stirring in opposition to the proposals, as increased media attention in British Columbia has put the issue on the political table.

O’Loughlin is executive director of British Columbia’s chapter of the Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society, and with Paisley and other Canadians traveled south to address the Flathead Coalition this week.

“British Columbia’s government is recognizing it needs to fix the Flathead issue,” she said, “before it can enter into any more complex discussions.”