A new marketing campaign was launched by Montana Renewable Energy Association and Renewable Northwest to expand the use of renewable energy in the state. According to a release by Renewable Northwest, it’s designed to “appeal to Montanan’s ‘can-do’ pioneer spirit to build demand for a new energy economy.”
The campaign, called Charge! leaves talk of the environment and climate change out of the conversation, and instead focuses on economic reasons to turn to wind, solar, and energy efficiency measures. Statistics show that more than half of all electricity generated in Montana is exported to buyers in Oregon, Washington, and California, but demand for coal-powered electricity is decreasing as west coast states gradually phase more renewable energy into their own portfolios.
California recently increased its renewable portfolio requirements to 50% by 2030. Oregon meanwhile increased its renewable portfolio to 50% by 2040 and also stipulated a phase-out of coal electricity for their two largest utilities by 2035. And, in Washington State, lawmakers have created a fund to pay for the retirement costs of Colstrip units I and II.
“This is about focusing the conversation on what’s really driving change in Montana’s energy economy and taking control of our energy future,” said Jeff Fox of Renewable Northwest. “The argument isn’t whether things are changing, it’s how to respond. Montana needs to take charge of our energy future by investing in wind, solar, and efficiency technologies or we risk getting left behind.”
To help get there, the campaign is promoting a video that uses historic images and context to highlight how Montanans have always moved forward even as other historical industrial booms have slowed or halted entirely.
Filed Under: News, Policy