As we move into the heart of the summer and look forward to celebrating July Fourth, it is a good time to celebrate the initial steps Montana has taken toward energy independence and to weigh future opportunities.

First and foremost, encouraging energy savings through increased efficiencies has become public policy. Some key state legislation passed last session included Senate Bill 49, which requires minimum energy efficiency in any new or newly renovated state building; HB98, which facilitates performance-based contracting for state facilities to improve energy efficiency; and HB420, allowing local governments to establish voluntary incentive-based energy conservation standards for new green construction. And, as a result of HB645 we will be able to spend $15 million of the stimulus money on energy efficiency improvements in schools.

Saving money

Initiatives like these are crucial, as improving energy efficiency leads to lower energy costs and saves us money - in our homes, businesses, schools and government buildings. The cheapest and cleanest energy is the energy that, due to increased efficiencies, we don't need to produce.

Of course, lowering energy costs includes more than just improved efficiencies. It includes public and alternative transportation options, diversifying energy sources and increasing use of alternatives. Again, local initiatives - for example, improved public transportation and the growing network of bike paths - help reduce energy costs and move us toward being a healthier community.

While much has been accomplished, we have the opportunity to do much more. Given its wealth and diversity of natural resources, Montana is in a unique position to craft its energy future. Traditional sources of energy (coal, oil, natural gas) will continue to play a role, but alternatives will be key. Just as other countries now "price" carbon emissions in some form; it is likely that the United States will soon have a system in place. Of course, carbon emissions have never really been free, but these true costs will soon be more economically obvious.

Along with becoming more efficient, we have the opportunity to be more creative and effective, and to lead the way on a number of energy fronts. One small example: Montana has the fifth-highest potential for wind energy of all states, but Wyoming, with less wind energy potential has 2.5 times the installed wind energy. Also, we don't even fully understand the regional potential for things like geothermal power.

Creativity is essential

As the markets adjust to the realities of carbon pricing, our ability to be innovative in designing our energy future is intrinsically linked to our long-term economic prosperity. Our energy future cannot look like the past, and it shouldn't. During the next two years the Energy and Telecommunications Interim Committee will be charting an energy future for Montana.

We hope that future embraces new possibilities in terms of growing our energy economy, ensures our constitutional right to a clean and healthy environment and encourages the characteristics of ingenuity and independence that we all celebrate on July Fourth.

Rep. Robyn Driscoll represents House District 51 in Billings. She is vice chair of the House Federal Relations, Telecommunications and Energy Committee. Dr. Mary McNally has taught at the Montana State University College of Business since 1987. One of her specialties is business and the environment.