news

Every gallon we buy at the pump affects our environmental, economic, and national security. A significant percentage of our transportation fuel is shipped across oceans and supports unsavory regimes. All of it emits climate-harming carbon into the atmosphere. Our choice at the pump is neither simple, nor consequence free. Reducing these consequences starts with driving less, choosing fuel efficient cars and trucks, and selecting the right alternative fuels. When we select alternative fuels, it is vital that we see a full accounting of their environmental merit. This can best be done through Low Carbon Fuel (LCF) accounting as recommended by the Montana Climate Change Advisory Committee. LCF Accounting includes all "energy inputs and carbon outputs from production to consumption" in transportation fuel. In other words, policies regarding alternative fuels should promote increased efficiency and decreased carbon intensity.

LCF Accounting is the best way to determine which alternative fuels have environmental merit. It measures carbon emissions not just by what comes out of our exhaust pipe, but also the carbon produced over the lifetime of the fuel. LCF Accounting considers all the energy inputs of a fuel: extraction or growing, refining, and transportation to the pump. This accounting system tracks the indirect costs that we pay for fuel. A gallon of petroleum gasoline produced in Montana provides the same amount of useful energy as a gallon of petroleum derived gas from the Middle East. However, the Middle East gallon will have taken much more energy and emitted more carbon because of transportation. The resulting measurement gives us the "carbon intensity" of the fuel we are putting into our vehicles, telling us how much carbon was emitted to yield a set amount of energy at the pump.

The nation is looking for alternatives to gasoline. Recent reports regarding Hydrogen Fuel Cells have created much excitement. Liquid biofuels like ethanol and biodiesel have the potential to allow America to grow its own fuel, which in turn will reduce fuel costs, greenhouse gas emissions, and dependence on foreign nations for fuel. However, not all alternative fuels are created equal and many have unintended consequences. Corn-based ethanol requires energy from fossil fuels. In Asia, rainforests are destroyed to provide cropland for biodiesel made from palm oil, causing the loss of "carbon sinks" and biodiversity. Today, using electricity to produce hydrogen for fuel cells is less efficient than using the electricity directly in a standard electric car. LCF Accounting is a tool that can ascertain which alternative fuels being promoted are those with real environmental benefits.

LCF Accounting gives us a necessary baseline to understand the environmental impacts of our transportation fuel choices. It is a vital tool for citizens making choices at the pump and for policy makers looking to lower the carbon intensity of fuels. Fueling your car is not simple. The true costs are often hidden. Let's make it easier with Low Carbon Fuels Accounting.

[Learn more at S.A.V.E. Low Carbon Fuels Page]

Comment on the Climate Change Action Plan

Let the citizen voice be heard! The Environmental Quality Council is seeking public comment on the recommendations by the Montana Climate Change Advisory Committee. Which areas are important? You can fill out as much or as little of the survey as you want--all comments are counted. The Public Comment Survey is open until February 29th.

Thanks!

- The S.A.V.E. Foundation

Labels: low carbon fuels, montana

Here are some upcoming Green Events in Helena and around Montana. Please contact us at Recycle @ Savemobile.org or 406.431.0815 if you have an event we should add.

Thanks - Savemobile.org

* June 1-8: S.A.V.E. Plastics Drive, Helena, http://www.Savemobile.org

* June 10-12: 17th annual EPAC Conference on Biofuels, Big Sky, http://www.ethanolmt.org/conferencelist.html

* June 12, 13, 20: Three Montana Farm Tours to Feature Energy-Savings, Oilseeds, Carbon Sequestration and On-farm Biodiesel (see full text below)

* June 16-23: Montana Festival of the Wind, Judith Gap & Harlowton, www.harlowtonchamber.com

* July 14: Sustainability Fair, 9am-5:30pm, Sacajawea Park, Livingston, http://www.northrock.org/

* August 18, NCAT SustainabilityFEST, 10am-6pm, Butte, http://www.ncat.org

* Sept. 7-14, S.A.V.E. Plastics Drive, Helena, http://www.Savemobile.org

* Sept. 11-14. Yellowstone Greening / Waste Not Montana Conference, Big Sky, Montana Sky, Montana, September 11-14, 2007 http://www.headwatersrecycle.com/conference/index.htm

* September 29th, Trash for Trees, 9a.m.-4p.m., http://www.Savemobile.org/trashfortrees/

Three Montana Farm Tours to Feature Energy-Savings, Oilseeds, Carbon Sequestration and On-farm Biodiesel

Three tours of five diversified Montana grain farms will feature a wide range of cropping systems aimed at reducing fossil fuel energy, trapping carbon and increasing profitability.

The first tour is on June12th at 1:30 pm at the Bob Quinn and Thad Willis Farms southeast of Big Sandy.
This tour will focus on:
Reducing energy and off-farm inputs
Growing and pressing oil seeds for farm fuels
A presentation on economic issues related to farm input use and profitability by Economist Dr. Dave Buschena of Montana State University (MSU)
The effect of spring and winter pea green manure crops on soil nitrogen, soil water, and winter wheat on the Quinn Farm by MSU Cropping Systems Specialist Dr. Perry Miller and colleagues

The $10 registration fee covers the tour costs and all-Montana dinner including a Polynesian pig roast. Pregistration is encouraged. Take Highway 236 south out of Big Sandy 12 miles, turn right onto Kamut Lane and go to the second house on the left.

The second tour is June 13th at 9:30 am at the Gettel Farm near Power. This free tour will highlight:
How a no-till diversified cropping system can reduce off-farm inputs. Brothers Dave and Roger Gettel have been experimenting with risk management concepts for a number of years – following in the steps of their father, Arnold, who began no-till farming in the late 1960’s. Crops include winter and spring wheat, lentils, barley and grass & alfalfa hay.
Field research that measures the effect of no-tillage vs. continuous diversified cropping on soil carbon sequestration, presented by Dr. Perry Miller of MSU, research partner David Gettel, and Miller’s colleagues at MSU.
Economic issues related to farm inputs and saving energy on the farm, presented by Dr. Dave Buschena of MSU.

Directions to the Gettel Farm: For those heading north from Great Falls on I-15 -- go past Vaughn to the Gordon Exit. Take frontage road 2 miles North to I-15 underpass and head east two miles to starting point. For those heading south on I-15 take the Power Exit. -- take the frontage road 2 miles south to I-15 underpass and head east two miles to the farm.

For more information or to register for either of these tours, contact Jim Barngrover at 443-7272, (jbarngrover@aeromt.org).

The third tour is June 20th at 1:30 pm at the farms of Ken DeBoer and Curtis Harper near Ryegate, Montana. Camelina crop production at both farms will be featured, along with an oilseed crusher and a homemade biodiesel processor at the DeBoer Farm. This tour provides an excellent opportunity to see what on-farm oilseed crushing and biodiesel processing really involve.

To get to the DeBoer and Harper farms, turn north at Ryegate’s flashing light onto Highway 238, drive two miles and turn west on the Ruzick Road. Drive two miles and stop at the first farm, which is Ken DeBoers at 178 Ruzick Road.

For more information on this free farm tour contact Holly Hill at 494-4572 (hollyh@ncat.org).

Co-sponsors of these tours include the National Center for Appropriate Technology (NCAT), the Alternative Energy Resources Organization (AERO), Montana Organic Association (MOA), the Natural Resources Conservation Service, and Montana Farmers Union. Additional support for the Willis/Quinn and the Gettel tour comes from the Western Risk Management Center/USDA-CSREES.

- Savemobile.org

Labels: alternative energy, green events, montana, recycling plastics

Biodiesel Testing Facility for Montana!

Biodiesel producers and researchers need to ensure they are using quality, specification fuel, a process that typically cost $1,500 more per test and takes place out of state.

To help address this challenge and foster biofuel production and research in the state, the Montana Legislature alloted $250,000 for equipment to create testing a facility in Montana. The facility is likely to be located in Havre (see article below) and would tie into funds from a WIRED grant for training.


MSU-Northern could be home to national biodiesel-testing facility
By KIM SKORNOGOSKI (March 17, Great Fall Tribune)

Biofuel Position Available at MSU-Northern


- Savemobile.org

Labels: biodiesel, montana

HB 259 (S.A.V.E. led bill to allow gray water in Montana) & and HB 555 (supported by S.A.V.E.) have both passed the Montana House with favorable margins! That and more below.
http://www2.blogger.com/img/gl.link.gif
Also, don't forget S.A.V.E.'s benefit with Jason DeShaw and the Third Wheel next March 8, S.A.V.E. Day at the Capitol Rotunda on March 9th, and our Plastics Recycling Week starting this Friday.

S.A.V.E. Legislative Update - Halfway through the session:

HB 259, a bill to allow gray water systems in Montana passed out of the House today. Learn more about gray water from previous post at the link above. The bill passed 3rd reading 85 to 14, with 1 excused vote. Representative Ward (R-Helena) co-sponsored HB 259 and expertly presented the practicality and reason for allowing gray water systems in Montana. Also known as Little John of Little John's Septic service, he is most responsible for the bills success and deserves much credit for bringing this conservation measure to Montana. Rep. Ward was excused for health issues and should be foremost in our thoughts while we await his recovery.

HB 555, to create a public education program for recycling and electronic waste disposal passed the House today with a 73 to 27 vote. HB 555 provides funds for D.E.Q. Pollution Prevention (proactive, effective part of D.E.Q. that coordinates state-wide recycling and markets) to run a public awareness campaign on electronic waste. D.E.Q. coordinated several electronics waste events last summer. This bill, HB 258 (below), and our new version of HB 607 (below) are vital to setting up the necessary awareness, incentive, and infrastructure to deal with electronic waste in Montana.

SB 449, setting fuel economy standards for state purchased vehicles, passed the Senate on a voice vote (one or two no votes recorded). The bill requires state vehicles to meet Corporate Average Fuel Economy standards (CAFE), providing the obvious exemptions for emergency and other vehicles. In the last biennium, the state motor pool went 1.33 million dollars over budget due to the increased cost of fuel and parts (due to fuel prices). This helps ensure the state will be prepared for potential spikes in fuel prices and institutionalizes common sense (cents) leadership. The bill also provides for increased carpooling by state vehicles. (on that note, Try Another Way State Employees, should be commended for their on going work doing just that)


*Revenue Bills (have more time before they must be transmitted):

SB 530, to exempt personal production and use of biodiesel for the states road tax, has been assigned to the Senate Taxation Committee. Biodiesel that meets ASTM D6751, the quality standard that biodiesel must meet to be sold in the state, is a proven fuel that performs well in diesel engines at any percentage. Backyard production has the potential to not meet these standards and give the fuel a bad name. By matching the federal exemption from road tax for biodiesel blends, personal use producers will not be deterred from reporting their use to the state. This will help us all make sure biodiesel is made safely and properly, as well as saving grass-roots conservation measures from extra paperwork.


HB 607, to create funds for recycling markets, innovations, and infrastructure from a tipping fee on solid waste, was intentionally tabled in House Natural Resources. S.A.V.E. is working with landfill operators, waste haulers, and other parties most affected by a tipping fee, to create a more palatable bill with another bill draft we had for recycling. The new bill will be presented soon and will create a special fund for recycling grants starting in 2008. A nickel (5 cents) for every ton (2,000lbs) of solid waste buried in Montana will contribute to the fund, coming our to around $65,000. The fund will be controlled by the Pollution Prevention section of Montana D.E.Q., a group that has a proven record of effectively finding innovative and market based solutions to meet the challenges of recycling solid waste in Montana. We see such a fund a vital to ensure effective, state-wide efforts on recycling, especially when dealing with the challenges of electronics waste recycling, helping community glass programs find markets, Household Hazardous Waste, and farm programs for recycling pesticide containers.

HB 258 remains tabled in House Taxation Committee. Given the extra busy schedule around transmittal for non-revenue bills, we have elected to wait a bit longer before bring the bill of for reconsideration. This gives us time to work on more outreach efforts to demonstrate the need to foster an incentive for the proper recycling of electronic waste. See earlier post for more information. Recent discussion of this bill includes "E-waste a growing problem (Helena IR)," a S.A.V.E. hosted forum at the Capitol, this week's Queen City News, and some stories on local news stations.

* A revenue bill affects state revenue, negatively or positively, have a transmittal date of the 60th legislative day. Non-revenue bills must be transmitted this week, by the 45th day.

- Savemobile.org

Labels: alternative energy, conservation, montana, recycling, S.A.V.E.

HB 259, a bill to allow gray water systems in Montana passed out of the house on 3rd reading today. Learn more about gray water from previous post on this blog and view the votes with the link to the bill.

HB 555, to create a public education program for recycling and electronic waste disposal passed 2nd reading in the house today with a 73 to 25 vote. The bill came out of House Natural Resources 15-1.

SB 449, setting fuel economy standards for state purchased vehicles, passed out of the Senate Transportation Committee 9-0 with amendments. The amendments require state vehicles to meet Corporate Average Fuel Economy standards (CAFE). The bill original looked at having state vehicles work on exceeding those standards. In the last biennium, the state motor pool went 1.33 million dollars over budget due to the increased cost of fuel and parts (due to fuel prices).


Revenue Bills (can be considered past transmittal deadline):
SB 530, to exempt personal production and use of biodiesel for the states road tax, has been assigned to the Senate Taxation Committee. Biodiesel that meets ASTM D6751, the quality standard that biodiesel must meet to be sold in the state,  is a proven fuel that performs well in diesel engines at any percentage. Back yard production has the potential to not meet these standards and give the spec fuel a bad name. By matching the federal exemption from road tax for biodiesel blends, personal use producers will not be deterred from reporting their use to the state. This will help us all make sure biodiesel is made safely and properly, as well as sparring grass-roots conservation measure extra paperwork.


HB 607, to create funds for recycling markets, innovations, and infrastructure from a tipping fee on solid waste, was intentionally tabled in House Natural Resources. S.A.V.E. is working with landfill operators, waste haulers, and other parties most affected by a tipping fee, to create a more palatable bill with another bill draft we had for recycling. The new bill will be presented soon and will create a special fund for recycling grants starting in 2008. A nickle (5 cents) for every ton (2,000lbs) of solid waste buried in Montana will contribute to the fund, coming our to around $65,000. The fund will be controlled by the Pollution Prevention section of Montana D.E.Q., a group that has a proven record of effectively finding innovative and market based solutions to meet the challenges of recycling solid waste in Montana. We see such a fund a vital to ensure effective, state-wide efforts on recycling, especially when dealing with the challenges of electronics waste recycling, helping community glass programs find markets, Household Hazardous Waste, and farm programs for recycling pesticide containers.

HB 258 remains tabled in House Taxation Committee. Given the extra busy schedule around transmittal for non-revenue bills, we have elected to wait a bit longer before bring the bill of for reconsideration. This gives us time to work on more outreach efforts to demonstrate the need to foster an incentive for the proper recycling of electronic waste. See earlier post for more information. Recent discussion of this bill includes "E-waste a growing problem (Helena IR), a S.A.V.E. hosted forum at the Capitol,  this weeks Queen City News, and some stories on local news stations.

- The S.A.V.E. Foundation, 501(c)(3) / Savemobile.org

Labels: 2007 legislative session, montana, recycling, Savemobile.org