Letter
to the Editor of the Helena Independent Republic
April 9, 2006
Capitalism works
It is encouraging to see that Southern Montana Electric
Generation and Transmission Cooperative is moving forward
with their coal-fired power plant. Hopefully, other
companies will follow suit. Maybe some good news, after
listening to the whining and hand-wringing lately about
deregulation.
Allowing increased supplies and providing consumers
with a choice will drive the market and set prices.
The current administration has done absolutely nothing
to provide more competition in the state’s electric
and natural gas markets. Capitalism does work.
State-owned dams, forcing the monopoly electric company
to add wind generators, and city owned utilities is
a recipe for bureaucratic disasters leading to higher
property taxes and prices.
The Independent Record could better serve the public
by contacting the MDEQ or the EPA to discuss the current
air quality rules and standards instead of the out-of-state-funded
MEIC.
Watching trainloads of Montana coal leaving the state,
creating jobs, and improving the economy of other states
should be a clue as to the claims of the MEIC.
The Legislature needs to pass laws against frivolous
lawsuits. Companies that meet the air and water quality
standards, established by the state, should have the
opportunity to do business in Montana.
S. Jerry Jones
1265 Valley Forge Road
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