MEIC was founded in 1973 by Montanans concerned about protecting and restoring Montana's natural environment. Nearly 5,000 individuals in Montana and around the country who support MEIC as members, both financially and with their activism. One of MEIC’s most important activities is lobbying the State legislature on environmental issues. It is the reason MEIC was founded, and since the 1974 legislative session MEIC has been the leading voice for the environment. Because of MEIC’s presence, the environment is guaranteed to receive attention at the Capitol. MEIC is Montana’s environmental “watchdog.” It has successfully influenced state and federal agencies for more than three decades, monitoring issues from old growth forest protection, to standards for coal bed methane development, to air and water pollution permits. When all else fails, MEIC utilizes litigation to ensure that environmental laws are complied with. MEIC works hard to uphold the valuable rights afforded by Montana’s Constitution, including the inalienable right to a clean and healthful environment, the right to participate in and know about government operations, and the right to have all lands disturbed by the taking of natural resources reclaimed.