MEIC works to promote renewable energy alternatives in Montana.  Among the numerous, indispensable benefits are:

• the avoidance of air, water, and land pollution associated with fossil fuel-based power plants;
• the absence of greenhouse gas and mercury emissions; and
  
• insulating consumers from fuel price risk and from overdependence on any one energy source.

In 2005, Montana’s first commercial-scale wind project, the 135 megawatt project located at Judith Gap, was completed. MEIC worked closely with the developers and the utility to make this goal a reality. MEIC also worked with Montana Audubon and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to ensure that the project would adhere to high standards of environmental responsibility. 

MEIC has been a strong supporter of the Universal System Benefits Program (USB), which provides funding for low-income energy assistance, conservation programs, and renewable energy projects.  MEIC also supports NorthWestern Energy’s E+ Green program, which allows electricity customers to choose environmentally preferred “green power” for as little as $2 extra per month.

MEIC has distributed hundreds of copies of its updated Citizens Guide to Energy Self-Sufficiency (for your copy, contact Patrick Judge or Sara Marino).