Montana News

Montana DEQ awards $1 million in alternative energy development grants

The Montana Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) has awarded $1 million in grants to four entities for projects that will further the development and marketability of renewable energy technologies in the state. The grants are funded with federal Recovery dollars.

Missoula City Council gives green light to $1 million in energy conservation work

The Missoula City Council this week unanimously gave a green light to 19 energy conservation upgrades worth some $1.37 million.

Outdoor industries: Feeling the heat from climate change

Outdoor pursuits will be among the first activities widely altered by climate change. And now, many of the $730 billion outdoor industry's largest companies are getting vocal about it.

Montana groups call for passage of clean-energy legislation

We, the undersigned organizations, representing thousands of members throughout Montana, are part of this majority who want action now. We are united in our belief that there remains a window of opportunity to reduce the emissions that cause global warming before the costs of doing nothing overwhelm us.

Montana Business Leaders for Clean Energy press Senators on climate change bill

Members of the group, Montana Business Leaders for Clean Energy, met with Democratic Sen. Max Baucus and the staff of Jon Tester barely a week after the draft of a major bill aimed at reducing carbon emissions was released in the Senate

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What sets AACT’s algae-cellulose method apart from other forms of renewable energy is that in addition to producing clean energy from waste, it also creates a nitrogen-rich organic fertilizer that can be used to reforest the state or to ramp up farm production.

Bozeman company gets backing for wind project

A Montana renewable energy company says it has the backing of 10 wind farm developers to pursue a sprawling power collection grid serving Montana, North Dakota and Alberta.

Biofuels company set to double acreage under contract with farmers in Montana, North Dakota

Sustainable Oils, a member of Montana Business Leaders for Clean Energy, has an agreement to provide camelina-based fuel to the U.S. military for pilot alternative energy programs.

'Green' plan takes advantage of slime to generate energy

Surrounded by racks of lumber stands a fancy new greenhouse, home to an algae growth-tank, an algae digester and a bouquet of potted garden vegetables, growing in various experimental fertilizer mixes. Outside is the prototype burner, where wood is turned to charcoal.

Is Corporate America our best hope against climate change?

Clean-energy solutions are emerging from every layer of the business world, from tiny startups to Fortune 500 behemoths. Major corporations set their own plans for greenhouse gas emissions reductions that are far greener than targets that nations throw about at U.N. climate change summits.

Montana judge suspends oil and gas leases, cites lack of climate-change analysis

BILLINGS - A federal judge has approved a groundbreaking settlement requiring the government to suspend oil and gas leases on almost 38,000 acres in Montana because potential climate change impacts were not studied prior to leasing.

Arctic explorer warns of climate-change evidence

Renowned Arctic explorer Will Steger has turned his passion for adventure to global climate change and clean energy because, he said, “We are all on an edge right now, and it’s an opportunity for us to think outside the box and learn what we can do.”

Statement by Climate Solutions: EPA grants California Clean Cars Waiver

In granting the clean car waiver today, President Obama and his EPA removed a huge roadblock to all states seeking real solutions to global warming. This is good news for us in the Northwest, because the waiver gives Washington, Oregon and 11 other states the green light to follow California’s lead. Climate Solutions and many other groups worked hard to have our states adopt these stronger standards, and they are key elements of the state plans to lower global warming pollution. This decision means that we will finally get cleaner cars on our roads.

EPA gives California emissions waiver

The Environmental Protection Agency will announce today that it is granting California's request to impose tough restrictions on greenhouse gas emissions from cars and trucks - reversing the Bush administration's position and opening the way for the state to take the lead on global-warming policy.

Climate bill passes the House

In a triumph for President Barack Obama on Friday, the Democratic-controlled House narrowly passed sweeping legislation calling for the nation's first-ever limits on pollution linked to global warming.

How the economic stimulus program and new legislation can boost U.S. economic growth and employment

A new report released by the Center for American progress projects that the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act combined with the Waxman-Markey American Clean Energy and Security would stimulate $150 billion of public and private investment that would create 1.7 million clean energy jobs. The report includes a chart of state by state clean energy jobs growth.

The growing clean-energy economy

Research by The Pew Charitable Trusts shows that despite a lack of sustained policy attention and investment, the emerging clean energy economy has grown considerably—extending to all 50 states, engaging a wide variety of workers and generating new industries.

Boise mayor launches 'Green House' project to boost green energy projects

Boise Mayor David Bieter hopes a city-owned launching pad for entrepreneurs will boost green energy projects in the Valley.

The making of Missoula's green team

With a few steps, any city or county can create a green team and start saving resources. Here's how Missoula, MT got the ball rolling.

Time is now to end addiction to fossil fuels

The following op-ed from Matt Hisel, Jim Baerg, Chris Daum and Sean Micken appeared in the Helena Independent and the Missoulan