The PSC regulates monopolies allowed by the legislature, most notably those involved in the distribution of electricity and natural gas. It is comprised of five commissioners who are elected from five regions across Montana.
My opponent, Doug Mood (R-Seeley Lake), who currently sits on the PSC, was an ardent supporter of electric deregulation. He voted for deregulation during the 1997 legislative session and defended it in subsequent sessions.
Deregulation has been a disaster and all Montanans are living with the consequences of this hastily made, little-debated legislation. Deregulation was pushed through by high-paid corporate lobbyists, even as consumer and conservation advocacy groups voiced strong opposition.
As a result of deregulation, Montana lost its enviable position as a state with some of the lowest energy costs in the country and Montana consumers are now paying the price.
The PSC has a critical role in defining the future of energy development and it is quietly making decisions on a day-to-day basis which will shape the future.
The biggest challenge we face is green house gas emissions and climate change. It is no exaggeration to say that future of the planet hangs in the balance. We must curb global warming or face dire consequences. Energy production emits the lion’s share of green house gas into the atmosphere.
There are two ways in which to deal with green house gas emissions. One is to stay the course and continue to construct large fossil fuel plants and ship bulk power over big transmission lines to far away cities. Proponents of this view, like my opponent, promise that clean-up technology will solve green house gas issues. But that technology is not yet reliably available.
The other way is to encourage energy efficiency, while developing small, clean, renewable sources of power. In choosing this path we can build power systems which rely on small power generation from wind, solar and geothermal sources. Our grid system can be enhanced through existing “smart grid” technology which enables people and businesses to closely monitor and manage their energy consumption.
I am seeking this seat on the Public Service Commission because I believe the citizens of Montana need an advocate to help steer us in a new direction that will recover our low cost energy options and provide energy stability.
I will seek to expand the development of alternative, renewable energy sources and to promote energy efficiency, which is our greatest resource. Cleaner, greener, and leaner energy is possible and it is necessary.
In addition, I will work to protect against the loss of our energy infrastructure and the jobs currently held by NorthWestern Energy employees. It is essential that our universities work hand in hand with the state to help develop these alternatives.
In September, 2007, I testified before the Missoula City Council, urging them to reconsider their decision to purchase energy from the Highwood Power Project, a proposed 250 megawatt power plant which would derive its energy from the dirtiest of all natural resources, coal, and which would not be regulated by the PSC.
The City Council agreed with me and many others who testified against the project and reversed its decision. The technology to clean up the serious and dangerous pollution caused by burning coal needs further development.
I am opposed to bringing new coal fired generating facilities on line until carbon capture and sequestration is required by law. There are cleaner, renewable, more efficient and responsible options for generating power in Montana. These options must become a priority.
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