Climate regs squeeze Mont. Gov. Bullock, other Dems

Source: By AP/Fuel Fix • Posted: Wednesday, November 18, 2015

Montana Gov. Steve Bullock (D) is arguably the Democratic governor in the toughest spot as he tries to comply with the Clean Power Plan without harming his state’s economy.

Bullock’s state faces significant emissions reductions under the plan. Other states also face strong targets but are controlled by Republicans who may have opposed the plan anyway.

Bullock has said the plan is unfair to Montana but is still necessary at the national level.

The governor has tried to tread a middle ground on the issue. Unlike Colorado Gov. John Hickenlooper (D), Bullock has said a court challenge to the Clean Power Plan could clarify some aspects of the rule.

Montana Attorney General Tim Fox (R) has joined a 27-state lawsuit challenging the regulation.

“Even though I do not believe that the final EPA rules are fair for our state, I do believe that there are many choices that Montanans may make to keep our state’s energy destiny in our own hands,” Bullock said (AP/Fuel Fix, Nov. 13). — SP