MCV Legislative Hotlist: March 30, 2009

Action Alert!

Dear Conservation Voter,

It looks like two pretty terrible bills are headed to the Governor's desk, and we need your swift action to prevent them from becoming law.

Act now to defeat two bills, SB 257 and HB 483, which roll back long-established environmental protections, and undercut the rights of Montana citizens to protect their health, their property and the state that we love.

Please dial 406.444.3111 to reach Governor Schweitzer today.  Ask him to veto SB 257 and HB 483.  Read on to learn more about these bills...

 

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As you know, the Renewable Energy Standard has been the cornerstone of Governor Schweitzer's energy policy.  We helped write and pass the bill that established the standard in 2005, and were proud to work with then newly elected Gov. Schweitzer on the measure.

SB 257 (Sen. Jim Keane D-Butte) would render the Renewable Energy Standard useless by counting routine upgrades to dams toward the standard. If the bill passes, the standard would be almost instantly met, destroying the powerful and effective incentive for development of new renewable resources like wind. 

Clearly, the new energy economy means real economic growth and good, green jobs in our communities.  We recognize the usefulness of upgrading electrical generation capacity at dams, but believe it is counter-productive to include them in the standard.  The state should not be forced to trade one clean energy source for another, nor destroy the growth of this clean energy industry.

 

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House Bill 483 puts corporate interests above the peoples' interests at all costs. This bill is dead wrong for Montana:

• Creates a pay to play system, so that only the very rich have the right to challenge an environmental permit and
• Risks public health and welfare in the name of expedient energy development.

The measure is headed to the Governor's desk.  It is urgent to act now to protect future generations.  Don't let this dangerous bill become law.

Call Governor Schweitzer today!  Ask him to veto SB 257, because it destroys the Renewable Energy Standard, and urge him to veto HB 483 which limits Montanan's ability to appeal environmental permits.  Please dial 406.444.3111 today.

Thank you,
Sarah Cobler, Program Director
sarah@mtvoters.org

 

Attachment	Size
senatehotlist20090330.pdf	20.47 KB
househotlist20090330.pdf	24.74 KB