Taking the Initiative on Energy

Big news today on the energy front: Montana secured its first major wind-power project, as regulators approved a 20-year contract to let the wind energy be sold to Montana customers.

PPL Montana, the current energy generator, objected to the deal. But that's no surprise: they have an unregulated monopoly on the Montana market, and they don't want any competition. This is the same company that is trying to avoid paying most of its property taxes. They did the same thing in 2003. The Allentown Morning Call at that time reported the move "kept $7.6 million out of local government and school district coffers."

Montana really is at the forefront of trying to create more affordable and renewable energy. The Schweitzer administration is pushing a major ethanol energy package, and cities are exploring co-op power to prevent the kind of price gouging by private corporations that has plagued the Northwest.

It's the kind of thing that other states can pioneer as well - especially with the lack of leadership in Washington, D.C. In contrast to Montana, the Bush administration continues to say its outdated energy bill is the way to deal with America's energy challenges. They are so desperate to give away the farm to their energy industry donors, all they can come up with a package of tax breaks for oil companies - hardly a comprehensive energy policy. Then again, what else can we expect from an administration headed by two oil men, and run by appointees who came out of the oil industry?