Montana’s Rural co-ops prepare for Senate climate change battle

Representatives of Montana’s 26 rural electric co-ops asked lawmakers this week to keep consumers in mind when considering legislation that would crack down on the nation’s greenhouse gas emissions.

The Senate is expected to begin debate on global climate change legislation in early June. The bill would require utility companies, manufacturers and others to gradually lower their emissions by 2050 and establish a market for so-called "emissions allowances," which could be freely bought and sold. The goal is to reduce carbon-based greenhouse gases that are contributing to the warming of the earth’s surface and to minimizing the cost of doing so.

By FAITH BREMNER
Tribune Washington Bureau

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