The Montana Climate Action Project is a collaboration of partners in Montana working to find solutions, create opportunities and empower people around the issue of climate change. Our goal is to provide Montana citizens with the information and tools they need to understand climate change and make personal changes that will have a positive effect on the climate change crisis.
Our readers speak:'Quick Start' energy grants help schools, create jobs
By Connie Keogh, Montana Standard, 6/23/2009
I would like to recognize southwest Montana Reps. Jon Sesso, Cynthia Hiner, and Dan Villa for their work in securing $15 million for "Quick Start" energy grants during the legislative session. As members of the House Appropriations Committee, and in serving on the conference committees that tackled the appropriations bills, these legislators made sure that federal stimulus funds were being put to good use in Montana.
International attention sought for border parks
By Susan Gallagher, The Montana Standard, 6/22/2009
HELENA — The state of conservation at two Northern Rockies national parks near a place eyed for possible coal mining will be reviewed by a UNESCO committee meeting in Spain this week.
Groups that say Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park, consisting of a U.S. park and a Canadian park, is at risk hope the meeting in Seville, Spain, will bring their concern some global attention. They've petitioned UNESCO to declare the peace park endangered. But a lawmaker in the Canadian province of Alberta rejects any suggestion that coal mining or other industry threatens environmental quality in a slice of North America known for stunning alpine scenery and extraordinary wildlife habitat.
Town Pump works to conserve and reduce energy usage
By The Montana Standard Staff, 6/21/2009
From more efficient lighting to high-tech room controllers, Town Pump Inc. is moving to reduce energy use and improve conservation at all of its facilities, including convenience stores, motels and car washes, according to a news release.
"Town Pump is actively looking for ways to conserve energy use to ease our burden on the earth's resources," said spokeswoman Maureen Kenneally. "District managers are currently performing energy conservation inspections at all locations." Those inspections include simple maintenance, such as ensuring windows aren't leaking; hot water tanks and pipes are insulated; hot water tank temperatures are set correctly; and all sinks, toilets and shower faucets are functioning efficiently.
NCAT releases new climate change publication
Addressing climate change can reduce energy costs, create green jobs in Montana
BUTTE, Mont. — The National Center for Appropriate Technology (NCAT) is relea
sing a new climate change publication that highlights ways Montana consumers can address climate change while reducing energy costs and creating green jobs.
The publication, titled Changing climate, Changing future, is a guide to climate change in Montana and smart ways we all can act now to preserve our state for tomorrow’s generation.
Changing climate, Changing future details the work of the Montana Climate Change Advisory Committee, a group established by Gov. Brian Schweitzer in 2005 to study the effects of climate change in Montana and develop recommendations to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the state. Greenhouse gases, especially carbon dioxide, are a major cause of climate change.
Changing climate, Changing future features dozens of resources to help Montanans reduce their greenhouse gas emissions. From ways to slash home heating bills to ideas for squeezing the most out of a gallon of gas, the resources will also help Montanans save money by using less energy.
In 2007, the Climate Change Advisory Committee produced a 450-page report with 54 recommendations to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in Montana. Changing climate, Changing future provides a sampling of these recommendations, along with several success stories of Montanans already acting to reduce their own emissions.
Download Changing climate, Changing_future.[PDF/6.3MB]
Download the full Advisory Committee Report
