By Elliott Pryor HELENA, Montana --
I very much enjoyed our conversation on August 6th. However, I am concerned that a few things may have been overlooked. The PSC website states that your goal is to provide “access to utility services that are affordable, reliable, and sustainable for the long-term.” First, on affordability. Every form of renewable energy available in Montana (including nuclear) is cheaper than that of clean coal plants. In terms of sustainability renewable sources, by definition, are more sustainable than fossil fuel sources. Fossil fuel sources are becoming unpopular in the market and stricter environmental regulations will make it increasingly harder to meet emission requirements. Is it more sustainable to invest in a dying industry, or to invest in a burgeoning one? Wind energy jobs increased by 32% in 2016, so lets start investing now so we can be ahead of the curve. We forget that environmental regulations created the huge demand for our low sulfur coal, so lets transition to wind, and other renewables, so when more environmental regulations come we are prepared to harness our big sky. Another thing that was mentioned was your laudable goal to drive policy with science, but that climate projections were too inconsistent to be a base of policy. You are right, they are all too conservative... The Montana Climate Assessment shows Montana is warming at almost twice the national average. I already won’t be able to see glaciers in Glacier National Park when I’m 80. These facts are what matter to Montana.
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