Amplifying Our Voices
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May 2020: Protect Net Metering & Help Save Rooftop Solar!
Thanks to our friends at the Montana Renewable Energy Association for bringing this one to our attention! There's more more detail on the MREA website, but the gist is that there is an effort to transfer the oversight and regulation of net metering programs from state public utility commissions into the hands of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), which could cause credits for net metering customers to be cut in half, or more - effectively killing net metering and rooftop solar as we know it. Not good! Contacting FERC is more challenging than just sending an email, so national solar advocacy group Vote Solar created a sign-on website to make things easier. The deadline to submit comments is June 15th. Take a moment to contact Governor Bullock and FERC today! |
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April 2020: We're following current issues related to local clean energy and we need your VOICE.
Keep scrolling for more ongoing opportunities for advocacy and engagement in public planning processes.
- Cryptocurrency - zoning regulations for Missoula County are coming round again.
- The Governor's Climate Solutions Council draft Climate Action Plan - Comment period extended through April 24.
- 100% Clean Electricity progress.
Keep scrolling for more ongoing opportunities for advocacy and engagement in public planning processes.
1. Cryptocurrency
March 27 UPDATE - The Commissioners passed the renewal of these zoning regulations - Great News!!!
March 2020: Missoula's Board of County Commissioners (BCC) are considering a second one year emergency interim zoning regulation for cryptocurrency operations. A public hearing is scheduled for March 26 and will now likely be held via an online format, given Covid19. The public can still support these regulations - please email your comments today. Can you comment, speaking to the necessity of continuing the zoning regulations for new or expanded cryptocurrency operations, given the obscene amount of energy these operations use and our need to address the climate crisis?
You can provide comments that will be shared with the BCC - anytime until March 26. It's important the Commissioners know there's support for 100% clean electricity, and that these insanely huge electricity hogs need to use NEW renewables or they are not the right kind of industry for our region.
This can be a somewhat complicated issue and the very best way to understand this is to read the County Commissioner's excellent opinion piece from 2019. Missoula County commissioners explain new cryptocurrency mining regulations. It's in plain English and very useful!
There is great information on the County's website.
More from the not-so-distant past:
April 2019: County Commissioners adopt emergency interim zoning regulations for cryptocurrency operations. Following an evaluation process and two public hearings in 2018, the Missoula BCC adopted interim zoning regulations that would place requirements on the energy-intensive cryptocurrency industry (such as bitcoin) in our county, including requiring facilities to offset their energy use with NEW renewable energy sources. Read the Commissioners' perspective HERE. Thank you again to all who commented on this issue.
THE LOW-DOWN ON CRYPTOCURRENCY
These operations, which consume heaps and heaps of energy, are looking to Missoula County in order to exploit our relatively cool climate and low-cost electricity. The main reasons the County is concerned are 1) greenhouse gas emissions, 2) noise, and 3) electronic waste. Facilities can disrupt neighborhoods with their noisy operations, increase electricity rates due to costly infrastructure upgrades, and set back efforts to mitigate climate change by consuming obscene amounts of dirty fossil fuel energy - or simply using vast amounts of existing clean energy, forcing other would-be consumers of that clean energy to other not so clean sources. These issues will worsen if more facilities flood in.
In 2018 the Missoula Board of County Commissioners (BCC) initiated a process to evaluate cryptocurrency impacts and possible ways to address them. As part of this, there was an initial public hearing in June (see articles in the Missoula Current, Missoulian, and Independent) and a second hearing in September (here's a recap in the Missoulian). Head to the County's WEB PAGE for more.
For more about cryptocurrency and Bitcoin, including what they are and the climate change problems they create, see these two articles. The County's web page also links to numerous articles and even YouTube videos about block chain.
March 27 UPDATE - The Commissioners passed the renewal of these zoning regulations - Great News!!!
March 2020: Missoula's Board of County Commissioners (BCC) are considering a second one year emergency interim zoning regulation for cryptocurrency operations. A public hearing is scheduled for March 26 and will now likely be held via an online format, given Covid19. The public can still support these regulations - please email your comments today. Can you comment, speaking to the necessity of continuing the zoning regulations for new or expanded cryptocurrency operations, given the obscene amount of energy these operations use and our need to address the climate crisis?
You can provide comments that will be shared with the BCC - anytime until March 26. It's important the Commissioners know there's support for 100% clean electricity, and that these insanely huge electricity hogs need to use NEW renewables or they are not the right kind of industry for our region.
This can be a somewhat complicated issue and the very best way to understand this is to read the County Commissioner's excellent opinion piece from 2019. Missoula County commissioners explain new cryptocurrency mining regulations. It's in plain English and very useful!
There is great information on the County's website.
More from the not-so-distant past:
April 2019: County Commissioners adopt emergency interim zoning regulations for cryptocurrency operations. Following an evaluation process and two public hearings in 2018, the Missoula BCC adopted interim zoning regulations that would place requirements on the energy-intensive cryptocurrency industry (such as bitcoin) in our county, including requiring facilities to offset their energy use with NEW renewable energy sources. Read the Commissioners' perspective HERE. Thank you again to all who commented on this issue.
THE LOW-DOWN ON CRYPTOCURRENCY
These operations, which consume heaps and heaps of energy, are looking to Missoula County in order to exploit our relatively cool climate and low-cost electricity. The main reasons the County is concerned are 1) greenhouse gas emissions, 2) noise, and 3) electronic waste. Facilities can disrupt neighborhoods with their noisy operations, increase electricity rates due to costly infrastructure upgrades, and set back efforts to mitigate climate change by consuming obscene amounts of dirty fossil fuel energy - or simply using vast amounts of existing clean energy, forcing other would-be consumers of that clean energy to other not so clean sources. These issues will worsen if more facilities flood in.
In 2018 the Missoula Board of County Commissioners (BCC) initiated a process to evaluate cryptocurrency impacts and possible ways to address them. As part of this, there was an initial public hearing in June (see articles in the Missoula Current, Missoulian, and Independent) and a second hearing in September (here's a recap in the Missoulian). Head to the County's WEB PAGE for more.
For more about cryptocurrency and Bitcoin, including what they are and the climate change problems they create, see these two articles. The County's web page also links to numerous articles and even YouTube videos about block chain.
2. Montana's draft Climate Solutions Plan - Find the plan and link to comment here.
Public comment now - extended - through April 24, 2020
Here’s the scoop: Last summer, Governor Bullock created the “Montana Climate Solutions Council” and tasked it with producing a Climate Solutions Plan for the state by June 2020 and Amy is serving on the Council (the Adaptation subcommittee). The Council’s goal is to provide the governor, legislature, other leaders, and all Montanans with recommendations aimed at decreasing greenhouse gas emissions and preparing Montanans for climate impacts. This is spelled out in the Governor’s Executive Order. The Council has released its draft recommendations and is asking for public comment.
All of the info including how to comment is on this DEQ Website.
Comments may be submitted to ClimateCouncil@mt.gov. Comments submitted will be made public along with names.
WHAT YOU CAN SAY:
Here are some ideas for both general comments and a few key specifics that will help the Council as they refine the plan. Please review the draft plan (if you can!), put these in your own words, include what matters most to you, and let us know if you have questions.
Thank you for your efforts to craft the draft Montana Climate Solutions plan. In addition to my specific comments, I hope the final plan ensures Montana can meet the greenhouse gas reductions goals established in the Executive Order. Please make ensure that wherever possible, implementation begins immediately so we can reduce carbon pollution.
Section 1: Adaptation.
Please support efforts to expand Montana’s ability to understand climate risks and prepare for change. Recommendations 1A - H should be funded and acted upon.
In particular, Montana needs more accessible, up-to-date climate science. Please support a larger Montana Climate Office with more staff and funding, stronger Montana University System climate coordination, research and funding, and increased support from the state to communities so they can develop climate adaptation and mitigation strategies and plans.
Section 2: Mitigation.
Recommendations 2A -E and 2G-K are essential for Montana to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and avoid building new fossil fuel infrastructure. Our state is woefully deficient in programs and funding to support energy efficiency and conservation, and the key strategies identified should be enacted swiftly and funded, saving Montana residents and businesses money while improving public health.
A statewide energy efficiency standard is needed to meet the plan goals.
Raising the size cap on rooftop solar systems is very important. This would benefit schools, libraries, and other public buildings, save taxpayer dollars and create educational opportunities.
The adoption of low emission vehicle standards and actions that will incentivize, promote, or enhance electric vehicles is crucial to reducing transportation emissions.
Add key strategies that would strengthen transit systems throughout Montana, helping to reduce emissions from transportation.
Support community climate action planning, including goal setting, energy data collection across sectors, and planning efforts to reduce emissions and save money in local communities.
Voluntary controls on oil and gas development are insufficient. The industry has had decades to voluntarily curb greenhouse gas emissions and has not. Methane emissions from oil and gas development should be required.
Carbon capture and sequestration is not an appropriate climate solution for coal-fired electricity. The final recommendations should focus on reducing reliance on coal-fired electricity instead of relying on misguided, expensive, risky, and unproven technology.
THANK YOU!
Public comment now - extended - through April 24, 2020
Here’s the scoop: Last summer, Governor Bullock created the “Montana Climate Solutions Council” and tasked it with producing a Climate Solutions Plan for the state by June 2020 and Amy is serving on the Council (the Adaptation subcommittee). The Council’s goal is to provide the governor, legislature, other leaders, and all Montanans with recommendations aimed at decreasing greenhouse gas emissions and preparing Montanans for climate impacts. This is spelled out in the Governor’s Executive Order. The Council has released its draft recommendations and is asking for public comment.
All of the info including how to comment is on this DEQ Website.
Comments may be submitted to ClimateCouncil@mt.gov. Comments submitted will be made public along with names.
WHAT YOU CAN SAY:
Here are some ideas for both general comments and a few key specifics that will help the Council as they refine the plan. Please review the draft plan (if you can!), put these in your own words, include what matters most to you, and let us know if you have questions.
Thank you for your efforts to craft the draft Montana Climate Solutions plan. In addition to my specific comments, I hope the final plan ensures Montana can meet the greenhouse gas reductions goals established in the Executive Order. Please make ensure that wherever possible, implementation begins immediately so we can reduce carbon pollution.
Section 1: Adaptation.
Please support efforts to expand Montana’s ability to understand climate risks and prepare for change. Recommendations 1A - H should be funded and acted upon.
In particular, Montana needs more accessible, up-to-date climate science. Please support a larger Montana Climate Office with more staff and funding, stronger Montana University System climate coordination, research and funding, and increased support from the state to communities so they can develop climate adaptation and mitigation strategies and plans.
Section 2: Mitigation.
Recommendations 2A -E and 2G-K are essential for Montana to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and avoid building new fossil fuel infrastructure. Our state is woefully deficient in programs and funding to support energy efficiency and conservation, and the key strategies identified should be enacted swiftly and funded, saving Montana residents and businesses money while improving public health.
A statewide energy efficiency standard is needed to meet the plan goals.
Raising the size cap on rooftop solar systems is very important. This would benefit schools, libraries, and other public buildings, save taxpayer dollars and create educational opportunities.
The adoption of low emission vehicle standards and actions that will incentivize, promote, or enhance electric vehicles is crucial to reducing transportation emissions.
Add key strategies that would strengthen transit systems throughout Montana, helping to reduce emissions from transportation.
Support community climate action planning, including goal setting, energy data collection across sectors, and planning efforts to reduce emissions and save money in local communities.
Voluntary controls on oil and gas development are insufficient. The industry has had decades to voluntarily curb greenhouse gas emissions and has not. Methane emissions from oil and gas development should be required.
Carbon capture and sequestration is not an appropriate climate solution for coal-fired electricity. The final recommendations should focus on reducing reliance on coal-fired electricity instead of relying on misguided, expensive, risky, and unproven technology.
THANK YOU!
3. 100% Clean Electricity for Missoula
2020 Update: We are working with partners to implement this plan!
March. The Missoula County Commissioners. City Council and local government staff are working to finalize a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Northwestern Energy re how to work together. Meanwhile all are working to figure out best ways to implement our 100% plan - there's no time to wait and there's much we can get started on. Solar + Energy Efficiency efforts are ongoing, even in these challenging times. If you have questions about the MOU and process, feel free to email Amy.
100% Clean Electricity Joint Resolution has been adopted by both City and County in April 2019.
The resolution was adopted by the County Commissioners and City Council in April. See more coverage on our In the News page.
Background: since we released our draft 100% Clean Electricity Options Report last year (the latest and greatest version is HERE), we've been working with the City, County, and an ad hoc group of partners to keep this effort moving forward and draft a joint resolution to adopt the goal of 100% clean electricity for the Missoula community by 2030!
Thank you to all who showed your support and made this happen, by coming to the meetings, signing the open letter (nearly 500 signatories!) and spreading the word. This was a team effort and we are so proud of our community.
2020 Update: We are working with partners to implement this plan!
March. The Missoula County Commissioners. City Council and local government staff are working to finalize a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Northwestern Energy re how to work together. Meanwhile all are working to figure out best ways to implement our 100% plan - there's no time to wait and there's much we can get started on. Solar + Energy Efficiency efforts are ongoing, even in these challenging times. If you have questions about the MOU and process, feel free to email Amy.
100% Clean Electricity Joint Resolution has been adopted by both City and County in April 2019.
The resolution was adopted by the County Commissioners and City Council in April. See more coverage on our In the News page.
Background: since we released our draft 100% Clean Electricity Options Report last year (the latest and greatest version is HERE), we've been working with the City, County, and an ad hoc group of partners to keep this effort moving forward and draft a joint resolution to adopt the goal of 100% clean electricity for the Missoula community by 2030!
Thank you to all who showed your support and made this happen, by coming to the meetings, signing the open letter (nearly 500 signatories!) and spreading the word. This was a team effort and we are so proud of our community.
People's Climate March and RallyWe had great turn out for BOTH People's Climate March and Rallies - April 2017 and Sept. 2018. Thank you!!
Head here for media and more. |
Solar Jobs Rally in HelenaThanks for Rallying back in 2017
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Stay in touch for upcoming events...See our calendar and join our mailing list to stay up to date on advocacy opportunities.
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There are lots of ways to advocate for a healthy climate...
It's always a good time to speak out for climate solutions. You can write letters to the editor, get involved in election campaigns for those who support climate science and action, send an email to the Governor about how you would like to see Montana take action, or speak to your friends, neighbors, and local representatives.
Here are some ideas re: talking to others about Climate Change:
Because the best tonic for despair is action. |
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