The Schweitzer Energy Policy

Background and Premises

In October 2005, Governor Schweitzer called the Montana Energy Symposium in Bozeman to highlight serious concerns about energy policy and to hear ideas from energy experts and Montana citizens. The symposium brought together over 700 people from across the state and country to discuss Montana and the nation's energy future. Attendees offered a broad range of concerns and opinions. Governor Schweitzer, Lt. Governor Bohlinger and representatives of their administration have continued to listen to Montana's citizens and business people following the Energy Symposium. The ideas that emerged from those opinions and meetings provide the context for the Schweitzer Energy Policy.

The Schweitzer Energy policy is built upon these important premises:

  • Energy Policy Themes

    A number of broad themes emerged from the discussions at the Symposium about specific technologies and specific development projects. Taken together, these themes constitute the framework of an energy policy that contributes to the nation's needs while helping all Montanans by promoting:

  • Energy Policy Specifics

    Diversified Energy Development

    Montana is blessed with abundant energy resources. In addition to our great rivers and streams, we have the nation's largest reserves of coal and some of its best wind resources. Our farms, ranches and forests can support a strong bio-fuels industry. We have abundant oil, natural gas and coal bed methane opportunities. Montana needs to enhance existing and create new diversified energy development from these resources, compatible with our existing quality of life.

    Renewable Energy Development

    In addition to being renewable, wind generation, hydro, ethanol, and bio-diesel reduce or eliminate carbon dioxide and other pollutants common to conventional energy projects. Developing these resources will play a vital role in helping the nation meet the target of 25% renewable energy by the year 2025. Our agricultural and other resource strengths mandate that the State of Montana aggressively promote the development of wind generation, ethanol, biodiesel, biomass and other renewable forms of energy.

    Cleaner Energy Development

    The move toward clean energy is both market-driven and socially responsible. California, as one of the largest energy markets, has already set standards requiring that electricity delivered to its borders minimizes greenhouse gas emissions and includes a green power mix. Concern over climate change continues to grow and Montanans demand the high quality of life we now enjoy including a "clean and healthful environment." Therefore, state government will focus substantial efforts and resources on promoting energy development projects that meet the rising national demand for cleaner energy.

    Development with Clean Coal Technologies

    Coal-to-liquid fuels and integrated gasification combined cycle (IGCC) electrical generating plants allow more of the pollutants and greenhouse gases associated with conventional coal technologies to be captured and disposed. In particular, the carbon dioxide capturing that is inherent in these processes allows sequestration of the CO2, including methods that give the double benefit of enhanced oil recovery. The state will focus energy development of coal, including state-owned coal, on coal-to-liquids plants, IGCC electrical power plants, and other clean coal technologies.

    Value-adding Energy Development

    Historically Montana has been a commodity exporting state. In agriculture, forest products and mining, the economic benefits of value-adding, and many quality jobs, have gone mostly out-of-state as a low-level commodity. The state of Montana will commit itself to adopting policies and practices that emphasize more value-adding in the energy field, whether the initial source is bio-based or carbon-based.

    Energy Efficiency and Conservation

    Energy efficiency and conservation are the best homegrown defense against high-energy prices and produce the quickest results. Energy efficient houses keep us warmer while saving money, especially for those who are forced to choose between food and medicine or heat. Energy efficient cars make citizens less subject tot eh supply disruptions associated with hurricanes and international politics, and an energy efficient state has less need for costly environmental cleanups. State government will focus resources on energy efficiency and conservation, through both direct assistance to Montana's lower income families and support of industries, business, and practices that promote energy efficiency.

    Energy Availability and Affordability

    Montana has suffered from the effects of electricity deregulation in the past decade. If that market can't be policed adequately and provide affordable energy for Montanans, we will consider creative ways to re-integrate Montana's electrical energy generation, transmission and distribution and the possible re-regulating of prices. We need to seek ways to insure that adequate amounts of the electric energy produced at the lowest cost in this state are reserved for Montana's businesses, industries and families.

    Adherence to Environmental Laws and Community Acceptance

    Energy development in Montana will be expected to follow our environmental laws and respect our communities. We support the expansion of existing activities that already meet environmental standards. Looking ahead, the use of public resources to promote new energy projects will follow a high standard, concentrating on the cleanest projects proposed by industry and those that find community acceptance.

    Supportive Infrastructure Development

    The transmission lines, pipelines, railroads and highways needed to move various energy products to market are vital if Montana is to compete in regional and global markers. We will commit state efforts to strengthening our energy delivery links internally and to the rest of the world.

    Conclusion

    The primary energy concern of the Schweitzer-Bohlinger administration, is to secure a long-term, sustainable, reliable and affordable energy future for our citizens and businesses, and to secure economic growth from energy development in targeted areas of the state. In addition, we understand our obligation to the nation to help secure energy independence.

    With our significant inventory of energy sources, Montana can ply a leadership role in reducing the nation's reliance on foreign oil that often comes from unfriendly political regimes around the world. Proper development of Montana's existing and new diversified energy resources can also provide the electric power, gas, and liquid fuels needed to drive economic growth in our state and nation.

    The state of Montana should strive to attain greater efficiencies and conservation as a means of reducing energy costs. Montana can and should focus its efforts on new clean energy technologies and renewable forms of energy by playing a catalytic role in bringing private and public resources together to create energy development projects.

    We do not intend to build a fence around Montana, nor will we accept the mentality of rip and run rapid developments of the past. We know, as do most Montanans, that we can have good quality jobs, a clean and healthful Montana, and fulfill our national obligations. Proper energy development following the principles outlined in this Schweitzer Energy Policy can provide solid economic development, quality job creation, and energy security and affordability for our state, and be done in a manner that protects the Montana quality way of life.