Montana State Legislature Conservation Community Hotlist and Action Alert January 24, 2011
Submitted by Sarah Cobler on January 24, 2011 - 5:10pm
Review this Conservation Hotlist to find out what legislation will be considered in the Montana House and Senate this week. Then take action and call or email your legislators to ask their support opposition to the bills featured in today’s action alert, below on the Hot List.
Your help is needed today to stop HB 244, a bill that repeals Montana’s excellent Renewable Energy Standard, thwarting the great progress made in building Montana’s clean, renewable energy economy.
We also have a great opportunity to protect water quality and habitat with SB 164. Read on for details.
Please take immediate action to support clean energy in Montana.
Urge members of the House Energy Committee to oppose HB 244, another proposal that would kill renewable energy jobs in Montana.
Montana has one of the most abundant wind resources in the nation, But freshman legislator Rep. Derek Skees (R-Whitefish) wants to repeal the Renewable Energy Standard (RES) which is the law responsible for driving clean energy development.
The RES increased Montana’s wind development from 2 MegaWatts (MW) prior to its passage in 2005 to nearly 400 MW, creating millions of dollars of capital investment in rural communities and high paying jobs
Since job creation is the Legislature’s highest priority, we think Rep. Skees’ bill is way off the mark.
The House Energy committee hears the misdirected HB 244 today (Monday, January 24th). Please contact members of the House Energy Committee now and urge them to oppose this bill if you haven’t already. Focus on those members from your city or town if possible.
Support SB 164 – Protect our Rivers
Montanans have a great opportunity to protect favorite fishing holes, our clean water, and public health and safety. SB 164, sponsored by Sen. Bob Hawks (D-Bozeman) provides a vehicle for sound conservation.
Local governments can plan for the growth of their communities through a growth policy. This bill would include planning for the conservation of certain "legacy rivers" within the state through growth plans. This bill would encourage the conservation of habitat, protect homes from flooding, and protect water quality.
Senate Local Government hears this bill today (Monday), and may vote on it this week. Please contact members of the Senate Local Government Committee to ask them for their support for water quality in Montana, and a “yes” vote on SB 164.
Questions? Call Sarah Cobler, Montana Conservation Voters Program Director sarah@mtvoters.org (406) 839-1872
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. You can email the entire legislative committee at this link as well. We need you to do that on both of the bills featured in this alert, and on some of the bills featured on the Hot List.
Montana Conservation Voters’ Legislative Hotlist is provided as a service to ensure you know about the legislative votes and actions affecting our clean air, water, healthy communities and hunting and fishing heritage, and help you connect with legislators.
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