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AERO KUFM Commentary December 13, 2007 Taking on Montana’s Greenhouse Gas Emissions Gloria Flora 2007 has been a landmark year for moving Montana forward to a cleaner and greener future. Congress protected the Rocky Mountain Front from inappropriate energy development. AERO, the Alternative Energy Resources Organization released its report: Repowering Montana- A Blueprint for Homegrown Energy Self-Reliance. And last month, the Governor released the Montana Climate Change Action Plan. This dynamic plan is packed with recommendations on how Montana can shrink its carbon footprint by reducing greenhouse gas emissions and maximizing natural carbon sequestration. Recognizing the profound consequences that global warming could have on: the economy, the environment and quality of life in Montana, a Climate Change Advisory Committee was established by the Governor. This Committee was asked to:
The Committee was also charged with ensuring that those recommendations would save money, conserve energy, bolster the Montana economy and improve the environment for ourselves and future generations. Eighteen Montanans, including me, were appointed to this Committee representing local governments and tribes, the energy industry, business, farming, ranching, education, conservation and sustainability. A Scientific Advisory Team and experts from the DEQ, other agencies and the private sector provided support. Our inventory showed that Montana’s total emissions accounted for less than one percent of the nation’s GHG emissions in 2005. But in 1990, thanks to our vast forests, crop and range lands, we used to absorb more carbon than we emitted. Because we produce more than our share of electricity – 40% gets sent out of state – the per capita rate of emissions in Montana is nearly double the national average. The Committee looked at both emissions based just on our activities in Montana and a production-based scenario where we took responsibility for all emissions produced here. The Committee recommends that Montana reduce our greenhouse gas emissions back to 1990 levels by 2020, and reduce them 80% below 1990 levels by 2050. Our recommendations outline how to do it. Some actions can be implemented immediately, others will require legislation. Although some require funding, many of these recommendations actually save money. A few depend on technological advances to fully implement. Many of these recommendations have additional benefits, such as: reduced reliance on fossil fuels, less air pollution, opportunities for rural Montana to provide renewable fuels and energy, healthier forests and entrepreneurial leadership in new technologies. Sounds like a deal! The biggest reductions in emissions can be made in energy production and in the construction and use of buildings – from homes to schools to commercial facilities. On a cost per ton basis, changes in transportation, land use and buildings will actually generate significant savings. Where investments are necessary, such as in some energy, agriculture and forest recommendations, the report suggests specific funding mechanisms. The final 54 recommended actions were selected from over 320 options. Along with a cost/benefit analysis, where quantification was possible, each recommended option covers design, goals and timing to implementation mechanisms and integration with existing programs. For example, in the residential, commercial, industry, and institutional sector, recommendations ranged from demand- metering technology (which means users have information that allows them to conserve more energy, especially at peak times); energy audits and incentives; greener building codes; low-income and rental property improvements; appliance standards and guidelines; and, consumer education. Recycling and reduction of waste is another key component. In the energy sector, the focus was on efficiencies; conservation and renewable energy; research and development; improvements in existing plants; clean energy requirements for new plants; incentives for carbon capture and storage; and cap and trade programs. Although Montana has a low population, we have a lot of miles to cover. In the transportation sector, the plan encourages clean car standards; incentives for efficient cars; fuel-efficient tires (did you know that the tires that come with new vehicles are much more energy efficient than those you can replace them with?), low carbon fuels; reduced idle time; and transportation system management. Watch for intersections around Montana being changed to round-abouts, that way you don’t have to come to a stop at intersection, saving gas. Energy from ethanol, biodiesel and biomass as well as preserving open space and working lands through conservation of our vital forest, range and cropland carbon sinks round out the recommendations in agriculture and forests. Buying food and wood products that are produced locally is another great way for each of us to contribute to reduced greenhouse gas emissions. Recommendations that cut across all sectors include methods for further inventories and monitoring, public education and outreach and very importantly, an expectation that all State agencies and departments will lead by example, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and energy use even more aggressively than the rest of Montana. This plan was not something secretly put together in a back room somewhere by policy geeks. This is real plan, by real Montanans from all walks of life. Every Montanan has a role in implementing it. For now, the Climate Change Action Plan is available on-line at www.mtclimatechange.us. Copies will be available in the near future, call the Montana Department of Environmental Quality. I’m Gloria Flora for the Alternative Energy Resources Organization. We welcome your comments and perspectives. AERO is a grassroots membership organization working to help create farm, food, and energy solutions for communities throughout Montana. For more information about our programs call us in Helena at 406-443-7272.
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