Action Alert and Hotlist: Jeopardizing ESA, Energy Independence
Submitted by Sarah Cobler on January 31, 2011 - 6:31pm
Action Alert and Conservation Hotlist – February 3, 2011
This week, the Montana Legislature is attempting limit energy independent entrepreneurs’ opportunity to “net-meter” energy (SB 226), and undermine the Endangered Species Act (HB 321). We need your help today to stop them.
Review this Conservation Hotlist to find out more about legislation that will be considered in the Montana House and Senate this week.
SB 226 (Sen. Priest, R-Red Lodge) strikes at the heart of Montanan’s efforts to become energy independent. It would cripple the vibrant small-scale renewable energy industry in Montana and discourage investment by businesses and homeowners in clean energy.
Our state’s net metering statute has allowed hundreds of utility customers to install roof-top solar panels and back yard wind turbines. By unfairly charging net metered customers new rates, this bill dismantles a system that has worked since 1999 to encourage investments in clean energy and Montana jobs.
SB 226 destroys the economic viability of installing small, distributed power systems and may result in a rate hike of approximately 33% for a typical net metered customer.
More than two dozen renewable energy installation businesses in Montana depend on our state’s net metering statute to do business—this bill will is a giant step away from homegrown jobs and energy independence.
Senate Energy heard SB 226 for the first time this Tuesday. As I’m writing this alert, the committee may be voting. If it passes, the bill will move to the Senate Floor. Please contact your Senator and urge them to oppose this grab at Montana’s energy independence.
HB 321 (Rep. Kerns R – Laurel) jeopardizes Montana’s world class fish and wildlife resources by preventing the State from complying with federal law.
Conservationists believe the Endangered Species Act is a resounding American success story. Animals and plants that once verged on extinction thrive.
This bill would (try to) void the Endangered Species Act at both the state and federal levels. It risks considerable federal money Fish, Wildlife and Parks uses for wildlife management, and could even cost us millions in federal dollars for road construction. (The Dept. of Transportation must comply with the ESA as well). Further, it would penalize agencies and law enforcement for complying with the Endangered Species Act.
The bill will be heard in Fish, Wildlife and Parks on February 3 at 3 p.m. Please contact members of the committee and urge their opposition.
Montana Conservation Voters tracks the legislative votes and actions that affect our clean air, water, healthy communities and hunting and fishing heritage. We provide a weekly “hotlist” of proposed legislation, and give you the low-down on how to connect with lawmakers.
Contact Your Legislators!
Your voice matters! Concerned citizens make a huge impact in the legislative process.
- To call your legislators, please dial (406) 444-4800. You will leave a message with legislative staff, who deliver your short, polite and concise message to the legislator(s) you’ve identified.
- Email legislators by using this online form.
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