Montana’s Agenda – Some Synfuel Thoughts from Governor Brian Schweitzer

America needs to come to terms with a basic fact: We don’t need oil to
make the fuels we depend on. Reasons abound why we should get serious
about the potential of converting other carbon-based substances — crops,
waste, manure, and coal, for example — into combustible fuels.

The earth’s
oil reserves will be depleted one day and, before that time, the environmental
and national security costs of continued reliance on oil will become greater
than our country can bear.
Small projects sprouting up around the nation can be a catalyst for our
energy future.

In Montana, the legislature has enacted incentives for the
production of alternative fuels such as ethanol and biodiesel. My office has
taken steps during the last six months to get further into the synfuel game. I
have been actively working with the private sector to facilitate construction
of a synthetic fuel plant in eastern Montana (the exact location is yet to be
determined).

The idea is to capitalize on the state’s phenomenal coal supply,
create jobs, and provide Montana and the nation with an alternative fuel.
These are good steps, but Washington must take the lead.

Full Story: http://www.umt.edu/urelations/Agenda/Winter2006.pdf

Additional University of Montana Publications: http://www.umt.edu/urelations/