Join MEIC, Montana Conservation Voters Education Fund, Sierra Club, and National Wildlife Federation for a vibrant discussion of the future of Montana’s wind industry, and what it means for Montana taxpayers and ratepayers.
- WHEN: Wednesday, October 17th – 7:00 PM
- WHERE: Lewis & Clark Library, 120 S. Last Chance Gulch, Helena
The discussion will feature:
- Ken Toole, Montana Policy Institute, former Public Service Commissioner
- Gail Gutsche, Montana Public Service Commissioner
- Van Jamison or Ted Williams, Gaelectric
- Roy Houseman, Steelworkers
- Greg Copeland, Naturener (via Skype)
- Tom Kaiserski, Program Manager, MT Dept. of Commerce Energy Promotion & Development Division (invited)
More Information:
It’s no secret that Montana has a bourgeoning wind energy economy. In the past 10 years we’ve increased homegrown wind power production from 1 megawatt to over 600 megawatts. That translates to an investment of $1.5 billion in Montana, good paying jobs and a needed boost in tax revenue for communities across the state. Plus, it means the energy we produce in Montana is cleaner, and spews less mercury, arsenic and other toxic pollutants into our air and water.
This industry in relatively new, and the potential is great. Montana has some of the best wind resources in the entire country, and there are more than 50 additional projects in the works.
However, existing jobs and this promising industry may be in serious jeopardy. Congress has so far failed to extend the Production Tax Credit (PTC), an important incentive that helps level the playing field for wind and develop our clean energy resources. That’s why the PTC is supported by a diverse and broad coalition of groups and individuals.
