Clean, Affordable, Reliable State and Local Energy

If we want to lower our energy bills in Montana, we need to get beyond only relying on oil and coal to a more diverse energy supply. Prior to state government ending regulation of energy utilities in 1997, Montana had some of the cheapest, most reliable energy in the country.

Since deregulation, energy prices have skyrocketed, Montana Power Company sold its generators to out-of-state interests and Montana has lost control of its low-cost energy resources.

As a result, Montanans face a choice when it comes to determining the future of our energy supply. Either we back the expensive, dirty, nonrenewable energy systems of the past, or we support solutions that put Montana the road to broad prosperity and an affordable, clean, renewable energy future.

Background

Until recently, Montana’s legislature predominantly argued for building new power plants (six have been proposed in recent years) as the best solution to our energy situation, despite the fact that Montana has long exported roughly half of the energy it produces to other states. Dirty, coal-fired power plants are a primary source of greenhouse gas pollution and high levels of toxic emissions such as mercury that negatively impact water, wildlife and people’s health.

According to the Oakridge National Laboratory, Montana emissions of carbon dioxide from fossil fuels in the year 2000 were greater than 142 of 212 nations of the world that were surveyed. Proposals to dramatically increase production of fossil fuel sources in the state are often at odds with the preservation of pristine wild places, such as the treasured Rocky Mountain Front, and pose a threat to the traditionally valued clean air and water resources that Montanans enjoy. Fouling Montana’s air and water, and devastating our lands and wildlife, is a big price to pay when we can generate clean, renewable energy – wind, solar and biofuels - instead, along with jobs and tax revenue.

Montana does have access to vast supplies of clean energy, and, in fact, has the greatest wind power potential of any state in the Rocky Mountains. Montana’s wind resource alone could provide enough power for the entire state more than 70 times over . The newly completed Judith Gap wind project will sell power for less than what Montanans currently pay for electricity. According to the Billings Gazette, each of the 90 turbines at Judith Gap can produce enough energy for roughly 350 to 400 homes, while the entire farm has the potential to supply electricity for 300,000 customers. The success at Judith Gap has rocketed Montana from 50th among the states in wind power production to 15th.

Solar is another source of clean energy that – although currently untapped – could be put to great use in Montana. A recent report by Western Resource Advocates shows that Montana has more potential (101 million MWh/yr) for solar energy production than any other western state except New Mexico. Using solar energy to replace the use of traditional fossil fuel energy sources can prevent the release of pollutants into the atmosphere. Even when the emissions related to solar cell manufacturing are counted, photovoltaic generation produces less than 15 percent of the carbon dioxide from a conventional coal-fired power plant.

Biodiesel and biofuels plants, which turn crops into fuel, also show much promise in this state and could help support farm and ranch communities. Investing in small biofuels plants will give Montanans a reliable and clean source of fuel while supporting local farm economies.

Energy efficiency measures could also make a dramatic difference for Montana. According to the Western Governors Association, every dollar spent on energy efficiency will lower energy costs by two dollars and fifty cents.

In the wake of the last legislature, decision makers are also starting to realize that clean, affordable energy is the best way to solve Montana’s energy problems without sacrificing environmental quality, and that it is also the fastest, cheapest and most reliable way to increase energy supplies, create jobs and hold down prices.

Recommendations for the Future

Clean and renewable energy must be promoted across our state as a strong, reliable source of power. Montana’ s municipalities, businesses and institutions must lead the way by example, sending a signal to other customers, suppliers and developers of clean energy technology that this state’s renewable energy market is ready to grow.

The last legislature started moving the cause forward and adopted a progressive Renewable Energy Standard that will cause Montana to produce 15% of its power supply from clean renewable sources by the year 2015, therefore addressing the need for affordable, reliable energy in Montana while spurring rural development and bringing important jobs to the state.

Also signed by the Governor was a resolution that calls on Congress to extend two renewable energy programs, the Renewable Energy Production Incentive Program, established to encourage new renewable energy projects (expired in September 2003); and the Energy Production Tax Credit Program, established to encourage wind energy production in particular, (scheduled to expire in December 2005). Both of these programs provide consistent incentives for the development of clean, renewable energy that boosts our national energy independence.

Increasing our use of clean technologies is the best way to meet Montana’s energy needs while protecting clean water, farm and ranch families, and our special quality of life. When it comes to Montana’s energy resources, it is time we put Montana first.