MCV Legislative Hotlist: March 23, 2009
Submitted by Sarah Cobler on March 23, 2009 - 6:30pm
Montana Conservation Voters/MCV Ed Fund
sarah@mtvoters.org, 406-542-1055
I know you've heard about energy efficiency bills before, but they are at a critical juncture and need your help today!
Read on to learn how you can help move HB 641, the energy efficiency standard for Montana utilities. Thank you so much for acting now!
Rep. Noonan (D-Butte) introduced HB 641, and it was heard today in the House Energy Committee and supported by a very large and diverse set of proponents. HB 641 gives Montana another chance to lead the nation in energy policy. This measure is a common-sense, solution to rising energy costs and economic pressures facing Montanans. The bill requires major gas and electric utilities to mine the system for energy resources through efficiency.
The Montana Governor's Climate Change Advisory Committee estimates if a measure like HB 641 was implemented, the state would save $141 million on energy from 2007-2020. Other benefits include:
- Lower energy bills for consumers
- New good paying jobs in a Montana based energy efficiency industry
- Enhanced self-sufficiency
- Less need for expensive new power plants
- Increased reliability and safety of our electric grid and natural gas system
- Reduced emissions of pollutants from power plants
Specifically, this bill requires gas and electric utilities that serve more than 20,000 customers to:
- Conduct a study to estimate how much energy could be saved on their systems by 2020
- Set biennial goals for reducing energy use through 2020
- Implement all cost-effective energy efficiency measures to meet the goals
- Pay into a low-income energy services program fund if the goals are not met
The House Energy committee hears HB 641 on Monday, March 23rd at 3pm. Pave the road toward a green energy economy by acting now!
- Call members of the House Energy committee at 444.4800. Ask them to support HB 641, Rep. Noonan's energy efficiency standard. Or email them using the Online Message Form. Members of the Committee are: Art Noonan, Robyn Driscoll, Harry Klock, Shannon Augare, Carlie Boland, Llew Jones, Mike Jopek, Gary MacLaren, Jesse O'Hara, Mike Phillips, Keith Regier, Scott Reichner, Wayne Stahl and Brady Wiseman.
- Write a letter to the editor supporting the bill using the talking points above.
Montana Conservation Voters/MCV Ed Fund
sarah@mtvoters.org, 406-542-1055
| Attachment | Size |
|---|---|
| househotlist20090323.pdf | 26.72 KB |
| senatehotlist20090323.pdf | 24.53 KB |
