Public Policy – Treasure State Resources Association

Much Ado About Nothing

By Peggy TrenkJune 15, 2017News, Public Policyclimate change, Paris Climate Accord

Source: Montana Petroleum Report, June 14, 2017 Montana Petroleum Association

Contact: Jessica Sena (406) 590-8675

It’s become difficult to decipher between reality and alarmism these days. To add insult to injury, President Trump can’t seem to take two steps without being ridiculed from every direction.

The latest point of contention has been his decision to disengage from the Paris Climate Accord (PCA). But is all the noise justified? Perhaps not, and here’s why.

First, the agreement is called an “accord” in the United States, rather than a treaty. This is significant because the difference is that a treaty must be ratified by the U.S. Senate. Fearing rejection in Congress, former Secretary of State, John Kerry argued against binding targets to reduce emissions such as those in the Kyoto Protocol. As an “accord”, the President could bypass Congress and commit $1 billion in taxpayer dollars towards the $100 billion-dollar goal promised by signors of the climate agreement to assist developing nations in reaching their respective climate goals. That’s $1 billion dollars that could have been used on research and development of innovative and emerging energy technologies on American soil.

Daines, Feinstein Call on Energy Conferees to Accelerate Forest Management, Fix Wildfire Funding

By TSRAOctober 25, 2016News, Public Policydaines, energy bill, feinstein

Earlier this month Montana Senator Daines and Senator Feinstein from California sent a letter to the Energy Bill Conferees. They asked the conferees to fix wildfire funding, accelerate responsible management, and address litigation challenges. This bipartisan letter is part of Senator Daines’ overall effort to reform forest management.

Black Butte Copper Project Mine Operating Permit Application Responses Submitted

By TSRASeptember 20, 2016News, Public PolicyBlack Butte, copper, mining, tintina

White Sulphur Springs, MT – September 19, 2016 – Tintina Montana Inc. (“Tintina” or the “Company”) is pleased to announce that it has submitted responses to questions from the Montana Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) in regards to the underground Black Butte Copper Mine Operating Permit application (“MOP”). This thorough review of the MOP includes detailed studies by third party consultants which have been peer reviewed to ensure the most robust and complete application possible.

Water Committee Seeks Comments on 404 Permitting Study

By TSRAJuly 21, 2016News, Public Policy404 Permits, WPIC

The Water Policy Interim Committee (WPIC) of the Montana Legislature welcomes public comment on how the state might assume regulatory activities under federal Section 404 of the Clean Water Act. At their July 12, 2016 meeting WPIC approved a draft report that includes their findings as well as recommendations that might be adopted. Recommendations range from encouraging further study to drafting legislation.

Governor Bullock Releases Blueprint for Montana’s Energy Future

By TSRAJune 22, 2016News, Public Policy, Studies & Reportsblueprint, Coal, Governor Bullock, renewable energy

On Tuesday, June 21, 2016 Montana Governor Steve Bullock announced the release of his blueprint for the state’s energy future. In a statement released by his office, the Governor said:

“Montanans should determine our energy future. That’s why today I’m announcing a blueprint for a balanced and responsible plan that provides good-paying jobs for Montanans, strengthens our rural communities, and supports local schools, while safeguarding our quality of life.”

Zinke pushes to end coal lease suspension, empower communities

By TSRAJune 16, 2016News, Public Policy

Helena Independent Record June 16, 2016 By Tom Lutey For the Independent Record
BILLINGS – State and tribal governments deserve a bigger say in federal coal policies, U.S. Rep. Ryan Zinke said Tuesday, while seeking to overturn a temporary ban on coal leases.

Montana’s Coal Severance Tax Allocations

By TSRAJune 9, 2016News, Public Policy, Studies & Reportscoal tax revenue

Revenue collected from coal production supports many programs and products across the state of Montana. That list includes funding for libraries and state parks.

Montana Congressional Delegation Pushes Forest Service to Advance Permitting Process for Rock Creek Mine

By TSRAJune 9, 2016News, Public PolicyRock Creek Mine, SEIS

(U.S. Congress) — Senators Jon Tester and Steve Daines and Congressman Ryan Zinke this week pushed the U.S. Forest Service to finalize an important document and advance a decades-old permitting process for the Rock Creek Mine in northwest Montana.

In a letter to Kootenai National Forest Supervisor Chris Savage, the Montana congressional delegation encouraged the Forest Service to finalize the Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement (SEIS) in a timely manner. The SEIS must be finalized before the Rock Creek Mine project can move forward in the permitting process.

Main Street Montana Project KIN’s Issue Recommendations

By TSRAApril 13, 2016News, Public PolicyKINs, main street montana

The Main Street Montana Project was initiated by the Bullock Administration to “develop a business plan” for Montana using expertise from the public sector. Key Industry Networks were created reflecting relevant topic areas. Participants in the KIN’s met over a period of time to gather input and develop recommendations that have or will be presented

The Economic Implications of Implementing the EPA Clean Power Plan in Montana

By TSRAMarch 19, 2016News, Public PolicyBBER Study, Clean Power Plan, Colstrip

Read more about the implications of the EPA Clean Power Plan’s potential impact on Colstrip by reviewing the U of M Bureau of Business and Economic Research’s study here.

Category Archives: Public Policy