15-38-102. Legislative policy. It is the policy of the state of Montana to indemnify its citizens for the loss of long-term value resulting from the depletion of its mineral resource base and for environmental damage caused by mineral development. This policy of indemnification is achieved by establishing a permanent resource indemnity trust, as required by Article IX, section 2, of the Montana constitution, by supporting ground water assessment programs from the proceeds of a tax levied on mineral extraction, and by allocating spendable revenues:
     (1) to protect and restore the environment from damages resulting from mineral development;
     (2) to support a variety of development programs that benefit the economy of the state and the lives of Montana citizens; and
     (3) to assess the state's ground water resources.

     History: En. 84-7002 by Sec. 2, Ch. 497, L. 1973; R.C.M. 1947, 84-7002; amd. Sec. 11, Ch. 418, L. 1987; amd. Sec. 15, Ch. 769, L. 1991.