From fishing to skiing, and from farming to hunting, our Montana lifestyle depends on good snowpack and the water it provides. Even our energy system relies on adequate snowfall to power hydroelectric dams. Montanans value the natural beauty of our state and the opportunities for work and play that this land provides, but our way of life in Montana is threatened by climate change caused by global warming.

Some of the most dramatic images of global warming are the receding glaciers of Glacier National Park. Today, the park’s largest glaciers are a third the size they were in 1850, and many of the smaller glaciers have disappeared entirely. The sad reality is future generations that visit Glacier National Park will not be able to see any glaciers. Scientists predict all of the park’s glaciers will disappear by 2030. This monumental and tragic event is the result of increasing temperatures due to global warming. In the last 100 years, the average summer temperature in Glacier National Park has increased by about 1.8 degrees Fahrenheit.

The disappearing glaciers of Glacier National Park serve as powerful symbols for what is happening throughout the West: higher temperatures, less snowpack, and less water. Snowpack in the mountains that feed the Missouri River has been below average 14 of the last 16 years. A recent report released by Clear the Air projects a 35% loss of snowpack in the Columbia River basin by 2050, and a 47% loss by 2090.

Global warming represents the most profound threat to our environment that we now face. From the increasingly severe hurricanes in the Gulf of Mexico to the disappearing glaciers in Glacier National Park, the effects of global warming are happening now.

Sources of Global Warming Pollution

Burning fossil fuels—coal, oil, and natural gas—is the primary source of U.S. global warming pollution. Power plants are the nation’s largest source of carbon dioxide emissions, contributing 39 percent of emissions from energy sources in 2004. Passenger vehicles are the next largest source, contributing 20 percent of emissions. Other transportation sources contribute an additional 13 percent of emissions. 

With less than 5% of the world's population, the U.S. is responsible for 24% of the world's carbon dioxide emissions. Scientific evidence has been telling us for many years that we must reduce our carbon dioxide emissions. However, U.S. emissions have continued to skyrocket, increasing by 19 percent from 1990 to 2004.

The Solutions Are Already Here

Solutions to prevent the worst impacts of global warming are at our fingertips: clean energy sources like wind and solar power, cars that go farther on a gallon of gas, more energy efficient appliances, and more.  But the time to act is now.  The U.S., by far the world’s biggest global warming polluter, must get serious about reducing global warming pollution within the next decade.

Montana Solutions Offered at the 60th Legislative Session

Carbon Sequestration-MontPIRG is backing legislation to require carbon sequestration on coal-fired power plants and coal-to-liquid fuels facilities, as well as legislation to establish rules and standards to ensure that carbon sequestration in done responsibly and effectively. Though MontPIRG is not in support of new coal projects, we believe any new coal projects must use the most advanced technologies in order to reduce emissions.

Biofuels-MontPIRG is supporting legislation to require minimum biodiesel content in all diesel fuel sold in the state. Such a move will spur the development of a clean/renewable industry in the state, shield consumers from a volatile oil market, and reduce our use of foreign oil.

Fuel Efficiency-MontPIRG is working on legislation to increase fuel efficiency in state-owned vehicles. This policy will reduce the consumption of oil for state transportation, and can actually save taxpayers money.

Carbon Cap-MontPIRG is backing legislation to set targets for reductions in greenhouse gas emissions. Policies to require reductions in global warming pollution are critical to creating a market that encourages such solutions as renewable energy, efficiency, and carbon sequestration.

How You Can Help

Please Contact Your Legislators About These Bills

Use this page to send an online message to your legislators. If you are unsure who represents you, this legislative page provides links to resources that will help you find your senator and representative.
You can also call (406)444-4800 to leave a message for your legislator.

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