MT GOP: Schweitzer all talk on energy development
We came across this great press release from the Montana Republican Party this morning:
Schweitzer Administration Is All Talk, No Action On Energy Development
Another Missed Opportunity Points To Schweitzer’s Anti-Business Policies
Helena, MT: The Montana Republican Party (MT GOP) today urged Governor Brian Schweitzer, who claims to be pro-jobs and pro-business, to work to produce real results for Montana in terms of energy development and small business issues. Specifically, the MT GOP pointed to a recent announcement that Montana missed yet another opportunity to create jobs through energy development. Late last week, Westmoreland Power notified state regulators in North Dakota of its plans to build a 500-megawatt power plant just across the Montana border in Southwestern North Dakota, leaving Montanans asking why the Treasure State wasn’t selected. According to the MT GOP, this development points to a growing problem in Big Sky Country, and one that several top business groups are talking about. Namely, Montana simply isn’t a friendly place to do business and that it's becoming increasingly clear that Governor Brian Schweitzer's administration is a big part of the problem.
"Unfortunately for Montana's working families, Governor Schweitzer's rhetoric doesn't match his record when it comes to energy development,” said Montana Republican Party Chairman Erik Iverson. “Montanans want results when it comes to creating jobs and developing our economy. Instead what we're getting from Helena is a bunch of hollow promises. When a respected group like the Montana Chamber of Commerce gave Governor Schweitzer a zero rating on business issues, that's a strong indicator his policies are just plain bad for small business."
Iverson pointed to legislative testimony by Evan Barrett, the Governor’s chief economic development officer, who spoke strongly in opposition to HB405 – a bill designed to increase natural resource development and low cost energy. According to the Montana Chamber of Commerce, the bill was designed to “remove procedural barriers to new energy projects without lowering environmental standards” (MT Chamber 2007 Voting Review, pg 17). This legislation, according to the MT GOP, is exactly the kind of measure likely to encourage companies like Westmoreland to look to Montana as a place to do business. In addition, an Associated Press article reported that groups who seek to halt development, “are finding allies in state agencies under Democratic Gov. Brian Schweitzer.” (Billings Gazette, 8-6-07, http://www.billingsgazette.net/articles/2007/08/06/news/state/24-grouse.txt )
Iverson also noted a recent analysis by Forbes Magazine that showed over the last year Montana has dropped from 38th to 42nd in its ranking of the best states in which to do business. Even more disturbing is Montana’s ranking when it comes to our regulatory climate, where Forbes listed Montana as the fourth worst state in terms of burdensome government regulatory hurdles. In contrast, Forbes ranked North Dakota as the 9th best state in which to do business, and rated it 16th best in terms of regulatory climate.
“We need more good paying jobs in Montana, and to do that we've got to foster a regulatory environment that's small business friendly,” said Iverson. "Instead of fixing the problems outlined by the Montana Chamber and Forbes Magazine, Governor Schweitzer only seems interested in talking about economic development. Montana needs a workhorse in the Governor's office, not a showhorse."
Carter
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HB 405 was only the first of several energy bills that the gov's office actively opposed and there were many other good energy bills that they simply ignored. This may be the issue that Montanans finally call the governor on. He wants it both ways and sooner or later his house of cards will come down. I just hope it is sooner rather than later. Glad to see the GOP keeping on top of these issues.
What Montana needs to do is removed the back end of the show horse that currently occupies the Governor's office, that'd be the end that Jim Jensen and Patrick Judge and the folks from MEIC have their saddle's strapped on. Until the Governor seperates himself from the ultra-environmentalists we can expect more of the same and since those are the folks who helped elect him, he's beholding to them now!
Carter, you are simply not credible. The facts about energy development stand in stark contrast to the talking points you are parroting from the Republican Party: In 2001, the Martz administration issued 692 permits for oil and gas production, etc. In 2002, the Martz administration issued 611; in 2003, 834; in 2004, 840. Oh, and look at this: In 2005, the Schweitzer administration issued 1306 permits for oil and gas development -- an increase of 35% from the Martz administration's last and best numbers. Also, total oil production increased 32.65% from 2004 (Martz) to 2005 (Schweitzer). Gas production rose 10.82% from Martz to Schweitzer. All this is easily verified by checking the oil and gas board's website. Governor Schweitzer is delivering on his promise of developing our state's resources. You, sir, are delivering simply shoddy commentary.
I think the Governor is doing some great things in energy. I know in my part of the state I've seen more activity around energy and oil and gas than I have in a long time. I read the other day that electric generation here in Montana has tripled since Schweitzer took over from that other governor... what was her name?? What was her contribution to electric generation...oh yeah...nothing.
Looks like the gov has unleashed his flunkies. Not sure what oil and gas permits have to do with new electrical generation facilities in Montana, but let's take a look at your claim. Viola posits that the gov is responsible for increasing oil and gas permits in Montana. The truth is that the spike in oil and gas permits is a direct result of an increased demand for domestic oil and gas. In 2001, crude oil prices were around $25 per barrel; since then they have been on a steady increase, reaching around $40 per barrel in 2004 and over $60 per barrel today. As the crude oil prices started to pick up, the oil in Eastern Montana became more profitable, which translated to a marked up-tick in production. Now, Viola, please explain to me exactly what Governor Schweitzer had to do with the increase in oil prices. Are you saying that he is single-handedly responsible for increasing the demand for oil worldwide and causing oil prices to surge over $60 per barrel? I'd like to know how he did that. By the way, since the participants on this blog usually back up what they say, here's a link: http://www.wtrg.com/prices.htm.
Lily, your claim is so outrageous it's laughable. Electrical generation has tripled? Where exactly did you read that? The Fantasy Times perhaps.
The fact is that the gov's insistence that he's an energy advocate is just a load of B.S. Our surrounding states, particularly Wyoming and North Dakota are experiencing real results on energy development, and this new electrical generation facility is just one example.
We're simply missing out on developing opportunities for our energy resources in Montana. According to the US Department of Energy's web site, there are currently 7 coal and oil and gas research and development projects ongoing in Wyoming with an investment valued at $70 million. They have produced an estimated 2,000 jobs as a result of this investment. In North Dakota, DOE is participating in 16 coal research and development projects valued at $120 million which have produced an estimated 3,423 jobs. In Montana, DOE is participating in 1 coal and 1 oil and gas R&D projects with an investment of just $2 million and an estimated 70 jobs. The R&D investments in these states just goes to show who puts energy as a priority and who doesn't. Here's the link: http://www.fossil.energy.gov/programs/projectdatabase/stateprofiles/2004/North_Dakota.html
So the point remains: the gov would rather talk about energy development than actually do anything about it.
Carter 1, flunkies 0.
P.S. Why do you Schweitzer people always get so hung up on comparing yourself with the Governor Martz? Time to see a shrink about your inadequacy complex.
As a native Montanan, I have long been perplexed by the ambivalence of our citizens towards economic development. We say we want more and better paying jobs, and yet, time after time, when the opportunities arise to choose policies that will result in those jobs, we manage to shoot ourselves in the head. I think we now have a governor who not only understands this mentality but has figured out how to manipulate it to his advantage. It may be time for us to admit that we really don't want a healthy primary economy in this state. We're content being at the bottom of the barrel in earnings and incomes as long as we have a governor who has a abundance of lipstick he can keep slapping on the pig.
BS 1, Montana 0
So no the libs are giving BS credit for high oils prices? It should be interesting to so if he changes his campagin slogan to "I'm the guy that caused $3.25 gas"
So, I have to wonder... how does it feel to be in the 15% who dont like this Governor? I suppose you were also the 15% who like Judy "Do My Laundry" Martz, right? I have an idea, when the republicans can come up with some original ideas, then we'll have a real discussion... until then, quit whining.
Dearest 15%,
Had Judy Martz not left so many toys in the toy box (money in the bank) Scheister wouldn't be having near as much fun making himself look good. Thanks Gov. Judy, wish we still had YOU in the Governor's Office and Scheister was back in Saudi!
To 15% - I don't know where you get your numbers but the last Lee Newspaper Poll showed that fully one third of Montana doesn't like Gov BS.
www.helenair.com/articles/2007/07/02/montana_top/a01070207_13.txt
True he does have a high rating but it is nooo where near 85% - get your facts straight before you start the trash talk. I know that is a hard concept for you lefists to grasp. But come on, if you are going to just make stuff up at least come up with something that can't be debunked by a quick google search.
I think that, when they order the troops down at Democratic HQs to go online, they don't give 'em any time to arm themselves with research and accurate #s....
The reason oil and gas development is up is because republicans lowered our severance tax rate in 1999. It was the highest in the country then. Only one rig was running in the entire state. After that, companies started drilling, exploring and refurbishing oil and gas fields. New oil fields were found. Then the oil and gas prices went up and new drilling really took off. Brian Scweitzer had absolutely nothing to do with this. In fact his administration and the environmental members he chose for the review boards have done ther best to try and stop development in Montana. He is a farce.
I was the sponsor of HB 405 during the 2007 legislative session. The bill did more than encourage resource development and lowest-cost energy; it directly encouraged the expansion of REC (formerly ASMI) in Butte. Since the democrats killed this bill, the expansion of the Montana facility instead is occuring in Moses Lake, Washington.
Every House Republican legislator voted for HB 405, while every House Democrat voted no.
The bill also encouraged the construction of refineries, bio-diesel, ethanol, wind, solar, coal, natural gas & synfuels facilities, pipelines, etc., etc., etc.,- quality high-paying jobs for Montana workers.
The governor's (economic develepment) office was extremely vocal in their opposition to HB 405, along with every left-wing enviromental obstructionist group you can think of. These obstructionists are paid to oppose jobs. As negative as they are about resource development, they drive cars, use products produced from hydrocarbons, and yes, they beneft from the use of Montana coal. Their words belie their lifestyles.
The governor won't stray very far from his liberal base voters and that's especially true when it comes to obstructionists who oppose energy & resource development and policies that support quality jobs for working folks in Montana. His record is clear on this.
On a closing note, the governor hasn't spoken to me personally since the legislature adjourned. Perhaps it's something I said...