Laurel Outlook: Energy is focus on several fronts in March
The Yellowstone Valley Electric Cooperative’s breakfast, Thursday, March 24, highlighted the need for electricity generators to be innovative and flexible in face of new regulations which will go into effect as the EPA implements the Clean Power Plan in an effort to reduce carbon emissions in the form of CO2, a by-product of coal combustion and contributor to global warming. Basin Electric Power Cooperative (YVEC’s parent company) is somewhat reluctantly making plans to transition to cleaner methods of electric generation, a step speaker Steve Tomac of Basin Electric said the company was already in the process of doing, but at
Billings Gazette: New take on clean coal technology presented at Montana Energy Conference
BILLINGS — Numerous efforts to squeeze clean-burning fuels from coal have hit the drawing board ever since OPEC started flexing its muscles in the 1970s. After years of research, scientists and engineers have learned that converting coal into liquid and gaseous fuels is expensive and far from environmentally benign. But a different take of clean-coal technology was presented Tuesday during the opening day of the three-day Montana Energy Conference in Billings. The concept, presented by officials from LP Amina, could even help extend the life of the Colstrip coal-fired power plants, while also reducing carbon dioxide emissions and generating valuable
Billings Gazette: Stalled economy costing rail jobs, BNSF chairman tells energy conference
A top railroad executive said Wednesday in Billings that declining oil prices and coal demand have thrust his industry into depths not seen since the Great Recession. Matthew Rose, chairman of Burlington Northern Santa Fe, told The Gazette during the Montana Energy conference that about 4,600 railroad employees are furloughed nationwide, about 10 percent of the workforce. These are roughly the same levels as in 2007 and 2008 when the economy began falling off a cliff, he said. Volumes were down 3 percent in 2015, and Rose said the Fort Worth, Texas-based company — whose energy portfolio is about 30 percent — is
KUMV: Montana Energy Conference Takes Look at Energy Potential
The Montana Energy 2016 kicked off today in Billings, and many political and business leaders attended the event. The three day occasion will feature panel discussions and keynote addresses from some of the industry’s top experts. The summit features an all-encompassing look at Montana’s energy potential. “We need made in America energy, not made in the Middle East energy. We don’t need these Washington D.C. regulations that are defining our future here in Montana, instead of letting Montanans define that. And we work together to find a truly Montana solution,” said Sen. Steve Daines, R-Mont. The event will continue tomorrow
Montana Congressional Delegation Congratulates John Winters on Merchant Marines Appointment
U.S. SENATE – Senators Steve Daines and Jon Tester and Representative Ryan Zinke congratulated John Winters on his appointment to the United States Merchant Marines Academy. Winters, whose parents live in Florence, Montana is attending Admiral Farragut Academy in St. Petersburg, Florida. He is a member of his school Varsity Soccer, Cross County and Track teams. He is a black belt in Taekwondo and an Eagle Scout in Boy Scouts of America. Winters is also on the Drill team at his school and was a member of the Navy Junior ROTC program.
Daines’ Statewide Made-in-Montana Energy Tour
Save Montana Energy, Save Montana Jobs U.S. SENATE — Senator Steve Daines this week stopped in ten-cities across Montana on his statewide tour to promote made-in-Montana energy and the good-paying jobs it supports. Daines’ tour included stops in Laurel, Colstrip, Miles City, Baker, Glendive, Sidney, Great Falls, Missoula, Helena and Butte. “Montana is truly an all-of-the-above energy state – we have significant coal and natural gas deposits, oil, hydro, wind, solar and biomass that powers Montana and the country. And it’s all right here in our back yard– right here in Montana,” Daines stated. “It was a great week speaking with hundreds of Montanans who are coming
Tester and Daines Congratulate Polson High Graduate on Appointment to Merchant Marine Academy
(U.S. Senate)—Senators Jon Tester and Steve Daines announced today that a recent graduate of Polson High School has been accepted to the prestigious U.S. Merchant Marine Academy. Nicholas Becker, 19, received a full appointment to the Merchant Marine Academy. A Big Arm resident, Becker served on his high school’s Board of Governors, played tennis, lacrosse, and skied throughout his high school career. Tester and Daines spoke with Becker and congratulated him on his appointment. “Nicholas will make Montana and all of America proud as an officer in the United States Merchant Marines,” Tester said. “His stellar academic record and his leadership experience
Daines Applauds Permit Extension of Lower Yellowstone Intake Irrigation Project
U.S. SENATE — Following a request from Senator Steve Daines, the Army Corps of Engineers today announced their plans to extend the permit for the Lower Yellowstone Irrigation Project. “The Lower Yellowstone Irrigation Project is critical to irrigate over 50,000 acres of cropland as planting season gets underway,” Daines stated. “Our hardworking farmers and ranchers don’t deserve any undue economic burdens. It’s great to see the government prioritize this essential source of water for our farmers, ranchers and communities throughout northeastern Montana.” In September, Daines led the Montana and North Dakota Congressional delegations in urging the Army Corps of Engineers and the Bureau of Reclamation to
Daines Announces Four Montana Schools to Receive Computers Through Senate Program
U.S. SENATE — Senator Steve Daines today announced that he has helped facilitate a donation of 25 computers to four Montana public schools as part of the United States Senate’s Computers for Schools Program. “Access to computers and technology is a vital part of today’s learning environment that helps students connect with the world beyond their classroom walls, explore new topics and advance their education,” Daines stated. “The Computers for Schools program helps students develop and maintain their computer skills to succeed in our increasingly global economy.” Through the program, four Montana schools have received a combination of HP8000, 8200 Small Form Factor (SFF)