"The energy situation should be of concern to everyone--even those few who can afford ever increasing energy bills. Energy waste can be reduced and a good deal of money saved at the same time by using a few simple home weatherization techniques."

From the Miles City Star October 1, 1980.

Those who do not learn from history are doomed to repeat it.

Amorette

The current proposal from the Montana Republican legislative establishment to give back money to the taxpayers who are driving diesel pickups that get 8 miles to the gallon, in lieu of maintaining our current highway system (I can hear it now, "Our churches and other faith-based organizations can and will take on those road maintenance responsibilities" :rolleyes is quite preposterous.

Thanks for the post, Amorette.

Government is poopy.
Yay for the new hybrid cars!

Oh GUnnar! I wish I could say that I am completly democratic, but I am not. My only claim in life is to be non-partisan. I vote for who ever I feel to be the lesser of two evils. Which, in many cases, we are in deep crap either way. The thing we must keep in mind is that we must try not to offend. I have many strong democratic upbringings. Heck, I work for a union.....Need I say more

Thanks for the Jimmy Carter moment. You are right that those who don't learn from history are doomed to repeat it. And exactly what did we do in the 1980's to "solve" the problem? We built a pipline from Alaska.

The current crisis must be placed squarly at the feet of the "environmental terrorist" who file lawsuits everytime we want to build a refinery, drill for oil, erect wind towers, etc,etc. And if you want to conserve energy by cooking and heating with a wood stove or fire place, you have to go through all sorts of red tape and permiting to cut down a tree in the forest to get firewood. I guess we will have to use corn this winter.

Gunnar: Diesel pickups getting 8 mpg? Maybe the 1980 Dodge did. Our company Duramax is getting 19-23 mpg.

What I don't understand is diesel is the first "product" of the refining process. Why is it more than gas?

"The current crisis must be placed squarly at the feet of the "environmental terrorist""

They also lobby for and seek out alternative energy sources. I would list those but our percieved God given right to invade other countries for profit and fossil fuel might be compromised.

I do cut and burn wood to save energy costs. In the duplex that I own in MC, the wood burning ("Blaze King", a great wood stove) side cost me about $35.00 per Month in utility bills last winter. The other side ran from $135.00 to $160.00. The square footage is the same on both units.

Corporate tax breaks for SUV's have been retained and the tax break for hybred's has been cut. Montana has the capability to harness more power from wind than even Wyoming yet we continue to have coal bed methane and new coal power plants shoved down our throats. Energy costs for Montana are expected to increase again this year from 30 to 40 percent.

Before anyone trys to snatch my tree hugger status (thanks Heath) just know that I don't clear cut the amazon. I cut from Dead and down as well as slash piles. Oh I am also trying to trade my truck for a smaller more fuel efficent vehicle.

If you are not part of the solution, you are part of the problem.

In the latest cases of wind generation, environmentalist have successfully block new towers because some birds might be killed in the fan. They tend to speak out of both sides of their mouth. The "not in my back yard" menetality won't help us solve the problem. We need to develop the resources in an environmentally responsible manner where they exist.

The reason we turned to oil was there was an shortage of whale blubber in the 1800's.

Yeah, this is in remembrance to all those forefather hippies who wanted to "save the whales."

You see, it really is all the hippies' fault.


Just wait till they see all those hybrid-car lead acid batteries stockpiling in landfills. Then they'll want wind-powered vehicles instead.


[This message has been edited by Rick Kuchynka (edited 10/1/2005).]

Richard, I just sent a $100 donation to the "environmental terrorist" group NRDC (National Resources Defense Council) in your name.

LOL, Jill, I've never loved you more.

Jill: When I startup the Sundial Coal Company, I will name one of the coal seams after you!

[This message has been edited by Richard Bonine, Jr (edited 10/2/2005).]