MCV Legislative Hotlist: February 3, 2009
Submitted by Sarah Cobler on February 3, 2009 - 5:00pm
Dear Conservation Voter,
It's a busy week at the Capitol - More great efforts to improve energy efficiency in our cities and build Montana's green economy, and a special thanks to Governor Schweitzer for his leadership on renewable energy.
Also, check out a new feature on our website, "How they voted," which tracks committee and floor votes on bills highlighted on the weekly Hotlists. You can find out how your legislator is performing so far on bills affecting our clean air, water, open spaces and renewable energy future. Tell them thanks for votes in support of the conservation community's position, or give them a call to explain their vote in opposition.
Read on to learn how you can help...
Kudos to Governor Schweitzer: standing strong for clean energy
Last week, the Senate Energy Committee heard SB 257, sponsored by Sen. Jim Keane (D- Butte), a bill that would erode the strength and intent of the Renewable Energy Standard. The Renewable Energy Standard requires utilities to acquire 15% of their electricity from renewable sources by 2015.
The Department of Environmental Quality's Senior Energy Analyst, Paul Cartwright, opposed the measure on behalf of the administration, demonstrating the Governor's commitment to the law he helped craft with then State Senator Jon Tester in 2005.
We oppose SB 257 too. It would allow routine repairs and upgrades on existing hydropower systems to count toward the Renewable Energy Standard, decreasing the drive to develop new sources of clean, cheap power like wind.
It is not too late to help prevent SB 257 from moving forward.
Please contact members of the Senate Energy Committee and urge them to vote no on SB 257, the bill that would erode the power and intent of the Renewable Energy Standard. Call 406.444.4800 today.
Gov. Schweitzer also made it clear in his State of the State address last week that he'd like to see carbon sequestration standards in Montana, mentioning Sen. Erickson's (D-Missoula) SB 66, which was tabled in the Senate Energy Committee.
We agree wholeheartedly, and appreciate his steadfast support on this issue.
Click here to drop Gov. Schweitzer a note thanking him for standing strong on Montana's Renewable Energy Standard by opposing SB 257, and for his consistent support of carbon sequestration standards.
And thank Sen. Erickson for his leadership here.
Citizen's rights to challenge development attacked
Freshman Senator Greg Hinkle (R-Trout Lake) wants to limit how and where citizens can participate in natural resource development decisions.
Senate Judiciary Committee heard SB 288 Tuesday at 9:00am. Please contact committee members and ask them to oppose SB 288, which degrades Montanan's rights to object to natural resource development.
Call 406.444.4800, or email committee members here.
This bill further weakens Montanans ability to protect their private property and health from industrial activities that do not follow the law. It raises the amount of a bond the public posts to protest a permit, and eliminates the court's ability to waive the bond "in the interest of justice."
Imagine a big corporation wants to build a gravel pit next to your home. Why shouldn't you have access to the courts to plea your case? Ordinary citizens should have the right to review government decisions in the courts permitting "construction, mining, timber, energy development, grazing operations and natural resource development." Please take action on this critical bill today.
Building a clean energy future- support energy efficiency
This Thursday the House Local Government Committee will hear House Bill 361 from Rep. Brady Wiseman (D-Bozeman).
Ever daydreamed about installing solar panels at your house? Here's a bill that might get you a little closer.
HB 361 is an innovative, low cost tool for cities and counties to help homeowners and businesses decrease their energy expenses, and reduce their energy footprint.
The bill gives Montana cities and counties the authority to create Energy Improvement Districts. A municipality would then be able to issue bonds in order to make loans to property owners to install renewable energy systems or make efficiency improvements.
Special thanks to the Alternative Energy Resources Organization (AERO) for their leadership on the bill.
You can help by asking House Local Government members to support HB 361, a measure to establish Energy Improvement Districts. Call 406.444.4800 today. You can also use this nifty message form if you prefer.
Thanks for reading,
Sarah Cobler, Program Director, Montana Conservation Voters
sarah@mtvoters.org phone 406.581.2284
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| senatehotlist20090203.pdf | 21.02 KB |
| househotlist20090203.pdf | 21.25 KB |
