CAES News
Montana Energy Alliance Urges Congressional Action to End U.S. Energy Crisis
Seeks Access to Abundant U.S. Energy Supply
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
April 12, 2006
CONTACT: Barb Skelton
406-245-4076
skelgatz@earthlink.ne
Butte, Montana -- A broad alliance of consumer, industrial and institutional energy users today called on Congress to act on pending proposals to provide greater access to the abundant U.S. supply of energy on the Outer Continental Shelf (OSC) as a way to address the current U.S. energy crisis.
Representatives of the Montana Consumer Alliance for Energy Security, a local affiliate of a newly formed national advocacy group, said high U.S. energy prices are having a negative impact on Montana agriculture, consumers and small businesses. Yesterday’s announcement by the U.S. Department of Energy on rising gasoline prices this summer is proof positive that the U.S. is in the midst of a real energy crisis.
In a recent poll conducted by the Montana Chamber of Commerce, higher energy costs ranked second only to healthcare costs as the top financial/pocketbook issue for Montanans. "Every single Montanan is feeling the pain of high energy prices. After one of the warmest winters on record, consumers’ heating bills are still up an average 23% this year for natural gas and 24% for oil," said Webb Brown, President and CEO of the Montana Chamber of Commerce. "Schools, hospitals, churches and small businesses across the country are struggling. It's clear that America’s competitiveness, jobs and economic growth are at risk. The bottom line is Congress must take action on one of the most important issues facing our nation."
A national opinion survey by the Consumer Alliance for Energy Security confirmed that the American public understands the severity of the U.S. energy crisis. The survey found that nearly 90% of the respondents believe that rising energy costs are having a significant impact on their family’s monthly budget. In addition, nearly 60% of those polled support accessing the abundant supply of domestic energy available on the Outer Continental Shelf.
"The cost of farming and ranching, especially fertilizer, fuel and chemicals is almost unbearable for our agricultural industry, said David Kasten, a rancher from Brockway. "We must develop more energy to help our economy, national security, local jobs, tax base and to hold down the costs of all energy and its by-products for a better America."
"Our budget at the First Presbyterian Church (FPC) here in Butte has been dramatically affected in the past two years due to the increase in natural gas prices," says Pastor Lanny Rounds. "The high cost of natural gas is one of the single biggest factors leading to our budget shortfall in 2006"
Helen Walsh, grandmother of 15, and her husband, a retired employee from the copper pit in Butte, have seen their natural gas bill go from $120.00 a month two years ago to over $300.00 per month today.
John Otto, a Western Montana Teamster working in seasonal heavy highway construction, said: "My gas bill is one of my largest costs in the winter months, making it extremely hard to make ends meet."
Jim Mockler, retired Executive Director of the Montana Coal Council from Helena, said:
"There is no question that drilling on the Outer Continental Shelf will be a giant step toward solving the problems. It well may be spring and the homeowner will not need the gas for awhile, but if we don’t proceed forward to develop the resource, each winter will be harsher. For those who use the gas for their livelihoods, winter is still here."
The Montana Consumer Alliance for Energy Security is the Montana arm of a broad-based coalition of consumers, industrial and institutional energy users committed to alleviating the current U.S. energy crisis by pushing for greater access to the abundant supply of domestic energy on the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS). For additional information, visit www.secureourenergy.com
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EDITOR’S NOTE:
For additional information, contact: Craig G. Veith
(703) 717-9816
craig.veith@craigveith.com