A Greener Future for Montana

The local governments of Missoula, Bozeman and Helena have recently adopted an agreement to develop a green tariff. Working with NorthWestern Energy (NWE), the three cities will progress toward their goal of achieving 100% clean energy by the year 2030. This decision made by the local governments is a vital and positive step toward mediating the climate crisis. Mother Earth is changing and our atmosphere is being damaged with each and every single fossil fuel particle emitted. Global warming is one of the most pressing concerns today and needs to be a priority for local and state governments.

According to the Missoula Current, “A green tariff allows customers of regulated utilities to buy power from newly developed renewable energy sources through a special rate, or tariff.” If the tariff is approved, NWE customers will be able to choose whether or not to pay the special rate for cleaner electricity and reduced carbon emissions.

NWE’s choice to collaborate with the cities on this goal and respond to recent criticisms received from environmental groups is a much-needed advancement toward the success of the tariff. NWE will provide the support needed to effectively provide clean energy to the majority of Montana’s population, because “the cities cannot do it alone since electricity options are limited,” said Natalie Meyer, Bozeman’s sustainability program manager. NWE’s participation will also send a message to power consumers about the importance of participating in clean energy sources, as they have a monopoly on utilities in the region. The support of NWE further legitimizes the green tariff effort in the eyes of consumers, and may increase the percent of Montanans who want to participate.

Renewable energy does not come without its faults. According to The National Academic Press, “Although renewable energy sources produce relatively low levels of GHG [green-house gas] emissions and conventional air pollution, manufacturing and transporting them will produce some emissions and pollutants.” Land use and wildlife habitats can be disrupted by the installation of renewable energy, and a substantial amount of water can be required for some technologies. As NWE and the local governments are working toward their goal of 100% clean energy, it is necessary for them to understand each and every component included in this task in order to mitigate the possible negative effects that new technologies and installations could create. It may be easy to get caught up in such a large step toward decreasing the level of harm done to our planet (which is definitely something that should be celebrated), but it is imperative to ensure that no unnecessary collateral damage is created.

Setting a time frame of 10 years to reach 100% clean energy may seem too far away, but I agree with policy makers in their conclusion that 2030 is the most realistic goal year due to the complexity of this change. Shifting to wide-spread renewable energy is an extensive process that demands time in order to be effective and durable. Recognizing and promoting this goal now will result in a large increase of sustainable practices adopted between now and 2030. More attention will be paid to the climate crisis throughout these years, demanding individuals to shift priorities and opinions surrounding this issue. 2030 is not too close, providing sufficient time for realistic plans to be developed, but it is also not too far away where it could slip off Montanans’ radars.

Preferably, I would like to see a statewide shift to 100% clean energy, instead of in just three cities. The change has to start somewhere, though. Bozeman, Missoula and Helena will hopefully spark a larger movement toward providing clean electricity throughout the whole state of Montana. It is not feasible to expect a quick, statewide change in behavior, and it must be approached with smaller steps toward the common goal. “I think at the local level is where true change has to start… This is not to be forced down from the state level on high,” said Rep. Chris Pope (D-Bozeman). Achieving 100% clean energy by 2030 will be a significant feat in battling the climate crisis, and would be even more significant if adopted by the entire state. The emphasis on green energy by the three major cities will set the stage for participation from additional local governments in Montana.

The climate crisis is demanding more and more of our attention with each passing day. The decision to establish a green tariff will greatly help in achieving their goal of 100% clean electricity by 2030 and is a step in the right direction for reducing the harm we have done to our planet. 2030 is not as far away as it seems, and hopefully these smaller, local efforts will combine to create a statewide priority of 100% clean electricity.

Bozeman, Helena and Missoula are only three cities, and Montana is only one state but, in terms of the fight against climate change, every penny counts. We have reached a point where this issue can no longer be overlooked in any way, shape or form. As more and more states adopt renewable energy goals and practices, there will be a higher level of emphasis on mitigating climate change on a national scale. This is a complex problem, which requires even more complex solutions. The health of the environment should be at the top of the priority list, and it is encouraging to see cities in Montana positively responding to this urgency.