Tapping Montana's vast supplies of clean energy is the fastest, cheapest, most reliable way to increase fuel and energy supplies and hold down prices. Developing these resources -- namely biodiesel, ethanol, wind power and energy efficient technologies -- is also the best way to protect Montana's clean water, farm and ranch families, and our unique quality of life. That's true energy and national security, not a pie-in-the sky dream.

A NATIONAL PROBLEM, A MONTANA SOLUTION:

With home heating bills projected to increase as much as 48% this winter, and gasoline prices hovering around $3/gallon, we face a tough road ahead. Record energy prices underscore the instabilities we will face with increased global competition for energy supplies. This has prompted wide-spread calls for energy development schemes that could be harmful to our water, air and health.

Montana can chart a new course. A forward-thinking energy policy should emphasize new, clean and efficient technologies.

A common-sense energy policy for Montana can keep energy costs down and bring broader prosperity to our rural communities. Here is how:

CONSERVATION AND EFFICIENCY:

• We need to improve energy efficiency. According to the Western Governor's Association, for every dollar we invest in energy efficiency in the West, we get $2.50 in return. The Association also found that we can easily improve our efficiency by 20% -- as much energy as would be produced by 100 new coal-fired power plants.

BIOFUELS:

• Biodiesel burns cleaner than gasoline, it's good for Montana's economy, and it reduces our dependence on foreign oil. By investing in, promoting and encouraging small biodiesel plants across rural Montana, we can bring broad prosperity to our farm and ranch communities by increasing demand for Montana crops.

WIND AND SOLAR:

• The wind is always blowing somewhere in Montana. Our state has the 5th best wind supply in the nation. And, we have the most potential of any state in the Rocky Mountains. If we tap just a fraction of our wind power potential, we can contribute significantly to solving our nation's energy needs.  Wind power is affordable, too. Electricity from the newly completed Judith Gap wind project is contracted to sell power for less than what NorthWestern Energy customers currently pay for electricity.

We have a choice: We can continue to put resources and emphasis on the energy of the past. Or, we can back solutions that put our state on the road towards broad prosperity and a clean energy future.

LEARN MORE:

• Find out more about biodiesel from the National Biodiesel Board.
• Visit the Judith Gap wind project.