Montana: Big Sky State
Calls for Energy Reform

"A prime vacation spot" may be the first thing one thinks of when considering Montana, but newly elected Gov. Judy Martz is hoping to change that. Before even taking office, Martz moved forward on her Jobs and Opportunities for a Better State (J.O.B.S.) initiative, which is aimed at improving Montana's economy by making the state more appealing to business.
        Martz's multifaceted initiative includes reform of the state's energy service and its environmental laws. The governor is pushing her Legislature to create affordable energy for job creation. "One of the keys to economic development is affordable, reliable power," says Martz. "We don't want the California power problem to migrate to Montana. And if we are to prosper, we need more power generation. I believe we can create an environment for safe, clean, reliable power generation. This will in turn provide the backbone for better paying jobs for Montana."
        Her energy reform calls for the state to make its Major Facilities Siting Act a mechanism for meeting the state's strict environmental standards, not a barrier to building new generation facilities or creating jobs. She is proposing lower tax rates to encourage construction of new generation facilities as well. Martz is also offering large industrial users a one-time chance to buy back on the power grid.
        In terms of environmental law, Martz wants to modernize and streamline procedures to promote environmentally responsible job creation. "Our environmental protection laws are critical to promoting a clean and healthful environment, and I am committed to modernizing and streamlining the procedures for job creators with environmentally sound business plans."
        Other issues covered by the J.O.B.S. initiative include the restructuring of the Dept. of Commerce. Gov. Martz says she wants business leaders and recruiters working directly with her on a daily basis to promote further economic growth.

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