Forging a New Way on Energy

Gov. Brian Schweitzer (D-MT) is really blazing a new path on energy policy - a critical issue considering the recent spike in oil prices. Less than six months into his first term, he is on the verge of passing bills to develop an ethanol economy and to force power companies to use more alternative/renewable energy sources. This comes on the heels of Montana regulators approving a massive new wind farm in the Judith Basin.

Notice, the Republicans are so beside themselves with rage, they can't even put a coherent argument together against these proposals. Instead, they just foam at the mouth, and vote against these forward-thinking policies because they might make Schweitzer look good. Look at House Republican Floor Leader Michael Lange: "I want to kick it right in the governor's face with this bill," he said. "I'm going to ask you with every fiber of my being to vote no on this bill. The governor is marching along with his legacy and this bill is just one more exclamation point on his legacy. Let's send a message to the people who elected us that we're not afraid of the Democrats." Is as partisan an argument as "let's deny the governor a legacy" really a credible reason to vote against proposals that deal with such serious energy challenges?

If Schweitzer manages to win out over these pathetic and petty arguments, he will have helped move Montana, the Rocky Mountain region, and the nation forward on energy. These are major accomplishments, and a long time coming for a state that has been abused by energy companies. For too long, the oil and gas industry has called the shots in this country - and its time for other leaders to step up and push innovative solutions at the state and local level to America's energy challenges.