Bullock Releases Blueprint for Renewable Energy Plan

Tuesday morning Governor Steve Bullock released a blueprint that focuses on the future of renewable energy in Montana. Bullock said the plans will also provide new job opportunities for Montanans.

"The energy blue print that I am announcing today builds upon the input I’ve received from Montanans across the state," Bullock said. "It charts the course for the future that not only seeks to protect our workers but also embraces the promise of new jobs in renewable energy, energy efficiency and developing technology to produce cleaner energy from fossil fuels. As the world changes around us we must be prepared to change with it."

Bullock’s comments focused on state and local control over energy policy.

"The bottom line for me is that  Montanans should be in control of Montana's future," Bullock said. "Folks who raise their families here like me and you who hunt, hike, fish and work here should decided what the Montana we pass on to our kids and our grand kids will look like."

Some key points in the plan set 2025 as a goalpost for reducing energy usage by 10% and doubling the amount of solar power in Montana.

Bullock's energy plan comes at a prime time for political discourse, as the state prepares for elections in November.

For its part, Republican Gubernatorial Candidate Greg Gianforte's campaign questioned the timing of Bullock's plan, asking "Why has it taken the governor four years to come up with an energy policy?"

"Greg Gianforte truly believes that Montana is the "Treasure State" and that we are blessed with abundant energy resources from the traditional oil, coal, and gas to hydro, solar, and wind," said Greg for Montana spokesman Ron Catlett. "Unfortunately, we have an Administration in Washington DC that is hostile to traditional energy development. That's why Gianforte has spoken out so strongly against the Obama/EPA Clean Power Plan which threatens thousands of Montana jobs. Unfortunately, career politician Steve Bullock has yet to stand strong for the interests of Montana."

The two candidates will have a great opportunity to discuss their differences on energy this Sunday, June 26 at the first gubernatorial debate of the season.