Let’s not be careless with Montana’s economic future

Responding to the Jan. 21 Gazette opinion on the future of Montana’s coal industry, I need to say, let’s not be careless with Montana’s economic future. Today, all across Montana, when we turn on our lights at home, sit down at our PC at work, fire-up our machinery or printing presses, about half of that power comes from Montana coal. Hydro-power makes up 40 percent of the supply, with wind and natural gas fired turbines rounding out our energy mix.

I’m not writing to argue for a more "ideal energy portfolio" or to advocate for more or less coal, I’m compelled to write because we cannot afford to be careless about the value of reliable, affordable energy and the jobs that it creates for Montana.

By STEVE ARVESCHOUG

Full Story: http://billingsgazette.com/print-specific/column/let-s-not-be-careless-with-montana-s-economic-future/article_ad7c5c49-4e92-55e6-85ec-ec95f75a0899.html