A win for the environment. Go Shweitzer!
A Shweitzer administration bill requiring public utilities to buy alternative energy like wind power won initial approval in the House on Friday, despite pleas from Republicans to kill the measure to make a political statement.
http://www.billingsgazette.com/index.php?tl=1&display=rednews/2005/04/15/build/state/19-altenerg
y.inc
This is an absolute win. The bill would require public utilities by 2008 to buy at least 5 percent of their electricity from alternative resources like wind, solar, geothermal or hydroelectric projects. The minimum jumps to 10 percent in 2010 and 15 percent in 2015.
5%. This is not very much. But it is a start. Naturally the Republicans are whining about this bill.
Opponents said the requirements wasn't needed and warned it would increase customer rates.
"Why on earth do we want to saddle Montana with higher energy costs?" Rep. Rick Maedje, R-Fortine, said. "And what happens when the wind stops blowing?"
First of all, does the wind really stop blowing? Forever? I don't think so. Maybe Rick Maedje could see the big picture. If alternative energy is invested in now, the high rate of energy from diminishing fossil fuels will not be so painful in the future. His objection is ridiculous. If he is so damn worried about the money, we don't the Republicans find a way to borrow the money for the new energy resources. They don't hesitate to borrow money for wars and tax cuts for the rich.
Alternative energy is something Shweitzer campaigned for:
Brian Schweitzer, Democrat, Whitefish farmer-rancher: "Montana should produce 20 percent of our electricity using our wind. Pay Montana wind electricity producers the same price as for coal and hydropower, and millions of dollars will be invested in Montana wind projects. Montana is the only place in the Western hemisphere that possesses all the components needed to fuel the hydrogen economy. We have abundant wind to fuel the process that separates hydrogen from coal, natural gas or ethanol; platinum and palladium to produce the fuel cells; and abundant limestone to sequester the carbon. Hydrogen will be the pollution-free, cheap supply of energy for the future."
http://www.billingsgazette.com/index.php?id=1&display=rednews/2004/04/15/build/state/35-ask-cand
idates.inc
I am truly impressed with Brian Shwietzer. He is doing what he set out to do. What victory!