For: Great Falls Tribune, Great Falls, Montana

Date: 21 November 2006

Subject: Letter to Editor on Renewable Energy and ‘No’ to HGS coal plant

Tribune reporter Karl Puckett’s informative and hopeful article about the Judith Gap Wind Energy Center (that’s brought jobs, taxes, status and cash for farmers) makes it painfully obvious we must ‘Walk the Talk’ ourselves and be bold like United Materials has on Gore Hill. Here’s a suggested list of actions:

1. Immediately conduct a comprehensive and realistic Renewable Energy Resource Analysis to assess the best sites for wind, solar, biomass and improve our hydro-electric generation for the benefit of investors, schools, government and property owners. The Great Falls Development Authority, city and county could be ideal partners to market this knowledge and potential for renewable energy systems manufacturing.

2. CONSERVATION. Our governor says it’s ‘cool’ but I also say it’s patriotic. Even small steps like using a clothesline or ‘Victory’ (CFL) bulbs helps our energy independence and national security so we’re less likely to send my fellow warriors in ‘Harm’s Way’ for fossil fuels.

3. By 28 November, urge county commissioners not to rezone any farmland to industrial for the proposed HGS coal plant on Salem Road. Instead, promote more wind farms where feasible near existing transmission lines in our county.

4. Visit www.cce-mt.org, Citizens for Clean Energy, and see the alternatives, including IGCC, a coal gasification technology that Governor Schweitzer says is the absolute best if we must burn coal as we transition to new energy sources to reduce the effects of climate change.

Let’s fulfill Paris Gibson’s vision of ‘Wind, Water and Future’ for this century and ACT.

Richard D. Liebert

Lt. Colonel (retired) US Army Reserve

289 Boston Coulee Road

Great Falls, MT 59405

406-736-5791