More energy plants; diversify sources; include renewables
We must increase the supply of power through more generating facilities. We should diversify, wherever possible, our sources of fuel. For example: natural gas, coal, and renewable resources such as wind and solar energy.
We should streamline the permitting process, allowing construction of new facilities to be built within a more reasonable time frame, but also within the parameters of our stringent environmental standards.
Source: State of the State Address to Montana Legislature
Jan 25, 2001
Federal tax incentives for energy, with state decisions.
Martz sponsored the Western Governors' Association resolution:
Western Governors find that states must continue to play a pivotal role in electric power decisions. Specifically:
The existing authority of states over retail electric power sales and transmissions must be retained.
Congress should allow states to create regional mechanisms to decide regional power issues.
We need to pursue a national energy policy that will result in a diverse energy portfolio:
New energy development: Enable exploration and development of promising domestic oil, gas, coal, geothermal or wind resources.
Coal: Implement R&D and tax incentives to promote the development and deployment of new technologies.
Renewables: Accelerate the development and deployment of promising renewable energy technologies through the extension and expansion of state and federal production tax credits.
Environmental Regulation:
Review environmental and natural resource policies to ensure they are as efficient as possible.
Permitting Energy Facilities: Streamline state, tribal and federal processes for siting new generation, electric transmission and natural gas pipelines.
Energy Infrastructure: Support economic and environmentally sound energy infrastructure investments to transport energy to markets
Energy efficiency and conservation: At a minimum:
Encourage rate structures that give utilities and customers an incentive to reduce consumption.
Encourage long-term stability of government and utility conservation programs.
Review and improve the energy efficiency of building codes and appliance efficiency standards that recognize the unique conditions in the West (e.g., dry climates).
Support federal, state and tribal tax incentives to accelerate the introduction of new energy efficient technologies.
Source: WGA Policy Resolution 01 - 01: Energy Policy Roadmap 01-WGA01 on Aug 14, 2001
