Let’s be civil. The Flathead Beacon encourages vigorous discussion and lively debate, but we will delete comments that attack other readers, make accusations we can’t verify, stray too far off topic, criticize local businesses (call them if you have a problem), convict someone of a crime, use profanity or are simply judged to be in bad taste. We don’t always have someone moderating comments, so we ask for your help: If you see a comment that violates these ground rules, or you simply deem it offensive, please e-mail editor [at] flatheadbeacon.com. The views expressed in the comments section do not reflect those of the Beacon.
By blacktail on 11-18-09
As long as we believe coal is our only option, we’re only crippling ourselves and putting our country behind in the international race to develop advanced clean energy technology. Especially in Montana, a state that ranks 5th in the nation for potential wind energy production, it makes no sense to insist that we can’t survive with reduced coal use. The whole point of this bill is to stimulate fast development of the clean energy industry (which is already booming even without federal action) so that we Americans can get access to affordable clean energy sources faster than they would under the status quo. This investment will not only expand our use of safe, clean energy sources, but create thousands of new jobs in places like Montana.
Keep in mind, too, that the oil and coal industries have received millions of dollars in taxpayer subsidies over the years—and that we spend $1 billion a day on foreign oil when that money could be invested into jobs at home. The clean energy bill, meanwhile, is expected to cost the average individual $3 to $4 a month, not including the energy efficiency and conservation measures it encourages, which would actually help many people save money on their household energy bills.
Senator Baucus, you can’t go weak on this bill. Montana needs your support for a strong clean energy bill that would allow us to live up to our potential as clean energy producers. Baucus and Tester both, please do the right thing and work to pass this legislation as soon as possible. The costs of climate change—for Montana and the world—will far outweigh the costs of action and the political risks. We can’t afford to wait.
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Let’s be civil. The Flathead Beacon encourages vigorous discussion and lively debate, but we will delete comments that attack other readers, make accusations we can’t verify, stray too far off topic, criticize local businesses (call them if you have a problem), convict someone of a crime, use profanity or are simply judged to be in bad taste. We don’t always have someone moderating comments, so we ask for your help: If you see a comment that violates these ground rules, or you simply deem it offensive, please e-mail editor [at] flatheadbeacon.com. The views expressed in the comments section do not reflect those of the Beacon.
By blacktail on 11-18-09
As long as we believe coal is our only option, we’re only crippling ourselves and putting our country behind in the international race to develop advanced clean energy technology. Especially in Montana, a state that ranks 5th in the nation for potential wind energy production, it makes no sense to insist that we can’t survive with reduced coal use. The whole point of this bill is to stimulate fast development of the clean energy industry (which is already booming even without federal action) so that we Americans can get access to affordable clean energy sources faster than they would under the status quo. This investment will not only expand our use of safe, clean energy sources, but create thousands of new jobs in places like Montana.
Keep in mind, too, that the oil and coal industries have received millions of dollars in taxpayer subsidies over the years—and that we spend $1 billion a day on foreign oil when that money could be invested into jobs at home. The clean energy bill, meanwhile, is expected to cost the average individual $3 to $4 a month, not including the energy efficiency and conservation measures it encourages, which would actually help many people save money on their household energy bills.
Senator Baucus, you can’t go weak on this bill. Montana needs your support for a strong clean energy bill that would allow us to live up to our potential as clean energy producers. Baucus and Tester both, please do the right thing and work to pass this legislation as soon as possible. The costs of climate change—for Montana and the world—will far outweigh the costs of action and the political risks. We can’t afford to wait.