Bill to boost renewable energy standard shot down

HELENA (AP) — Legislative Republicans have quickly shot down an attempt by Democrats to increase the state's renewable energy standard

Montana utilities are required to procure a certain percentage of retail electricity sales from renewable resources such as wind power.

The measure by Democratic Sen. Kendall Van Dyk of Billings would have increased that percentage to 25 percent.

That's in contrast to Republican bills that critics say would water down the renewable energy standard or do away with it altogether.

GOP leaders tabled Van Dyk's bill Thursday night just hours after he and his party proposed it.

The proposal's supporters say renewable energy creates jobs by bringing new energy projects to the state.

Republican and industry critics say the requirement makes artificial mandates that lead to higher utility costs for consumers.

he measure by Democratic Sen. Kendall Van Dyk of Billings would have increased that percentage to 25 percent.

That's in contrast to Republican bills that critics say would water down the renewable energy standard or do away with it altogether.

GOP leaders tabled Van Dyk's bill Thursday night just hours after he and his party proposed it.

The proposal's supporters say renewable energy creates jobs by bringing new energy projects to the state.

Republican and industry critics say the requirement makes artificial mandates that lead to higher utility costs for consumers.