Face up to climate change

As Montanans, we follow with interest your SB 5874, which addresses “regulatory and financial mechanisms and means to promote the retirement of coal-fired electric generation facilities.” Of particular concern to us are the units at Colstrip, Montana, that are partially owned by Washington state utilities.

Colstrip’s troubled history has left a trail of leaking ash ponds, health hazards and high carbon dioxide releases. The result has been lawsuits, expensive settlements, more life-threatening asthma in kids and conditions requiring decades of remediation.

These units, built in the 1970s and early 1980s, are aging. During the last five years, Unit 4 has shut down twice for six months of repairs, at great cost to Montana ratepayers.

But what should a good fix look like? A rapid and realistic glide path to closures (2020 to 2025). A corresponding shift to renewable energy as replacement power, taking advantage of Montana’s abundant wind and solar resources and the symbiotic difference in time of availability to Washington. Pollution paid for by the polluters, not ratepayers. Utility commission oversight. Retraining displaced workers.

Our two states share common concerns. Facing up to the reality of a rapidly changing climate would be mutually beneficial.

Harold and Jan Hoem

Missoula