Greg Gianforte on Energy & Oil

	Greg Gianforte on Energy & Oil

The "War on Coal" endangers jobs

Talen Montana, the owner of the coal-fired energy plant in Colstrip, announced that it was closing its two older units permanently by the end of the year. Gianforte said, "Colstrip has long provided affordable, reliable electricity to Montanans, but the war on coal has jeopardized Colstrip and good-paying jobs for hardworking Montanans." Source: Missoula Current/MTN News on 2020 Montana gubernatorial race , Jun 11, 2019

Critical of regulations & studying social cost of carbon

Gianforte is the only new Republican on the Energy and Commerce Committee this Congress. The second-term lawmaker gave up his seat on Natural Resources for the slot. He said he still expects to work on the "responsible development of energy resources." He's been critical of Obama-era environmental regulations, particularly those promoting the study of the social cost of carbon, but also favors limits on mining near Yellowstone National Park. Source: E&E News on 2020 Montana gubernatorial race , Jan 30, 2019

Has more than $5 million invested in fossil fuel companies

Of the Energy Committee members, Gianforte, one of the wealthiest members of Congress, has by far the largest stake in fossil fuels--at least $5.6 million in domestic and international companies through his and his wife's revocable trusts. His communications director told Sludge, "Congressman Gianforte's investments are governed by a blind investment agreement to avoid any potential conflict of interest. Congressman Gianforte does not make decisions about individual investments; a money manager does without his input or direction." Sludge asked whether Gianforte was aware of these investments, given that they are publicly available, but the communications director did not answer this question. Source: Sludge Blog on 2020 Montana gubernatorial race , Jan 30, 2019

The climate is always changing

Climate Change: Believe that human activity is the major factor driving climate change?

Gianforte: Questions human role. "The climate is always changing."

Quist: Yes. "Climate change is real and affects Montana farmers and ranchers and our outdoor industry."

Climate Change: Should government limit the levels of greenhouse gasses in the atmosphere? Do you support Clean Power Plan, which mandates reductions in carbon emissions at power plants?

??Gianforte: No. Believes regulations will hurt MT jobs. Specifically opposed Obama EPA rulings as federal overreach & applauded Trump's ending the Clean Power Plan.

Quist: Supported Clean Power Plan.

Renewable Energy: Support government mandates and/or subsidies for renewable energy?

?Gianforte: Strong support for MT fossil fuel industries. Mentions renewable energy, but advocacy is focused on supporting fossil fuel jobs.

Quist: Yes. Supports transition to renewables, but also invest in "clean coal."

Source: CampusElect.org Issue Guide: 2018 Congress MT-AL election , Nov 1, 2018

PVS:Fund renewable energy like wind and solar.

Gianforte supports the PVS survey question on renewable energy

Project Vote Smart inferred whether candidates agree or disagree with the statement, 'Energy & Environment: Do you support government funding for the development of renewable energy (e.g. solar, wind, thermal)?' PVS self-description: "The Political Courage Test provides voters with positions on key issues. Historically, candidates have failed to complete our test due to the advice they receive from their advisors and out of fear of negative attack ads."

Source: PVS Survey 18PVS-18a on Aug 1, 2018

PVS:Don't regulate greenhouse gas emissions.

Gianforte opposes the PVS survey question on regulating GHGs

Project Vote Smart inferred whether candidates agree or disagree with the statement, 'Energy & Environment: Do you support the federal regulation of greenhouse gas emissions?' PVS self-description: "The Political Courage Test provides voters with positions on key issues. Historically, candidates have failed to complete our test due to the advice they receive from their advisors and out of fear of negative attack ads."

Source: PVS Survey 18PVS-18b on Aug 1, 2018

Voted NO on assisting rural electric renewable energy.

Gianforte voted NAY Clean Economy Jobs and Innovation Act

Congressional Summary:This bill requires the Department of Energy to award grants to assist rural electric cooperatives with identifying, evaluating, and designing energy storage and microgrid projects that rely on renewable energy. (A microgrid is a group of interconnected energy resources that acts as a single controllable entity and that can disconnect from the grid to operate in island mode.)

SciPol statement in support: HR4447 would establish a microgrid grant and technical assistance program for rural electric cooperatives. Rural electric cooperatives are non-profit consumer-owned electric cooperatives that came into being in the 1930s to serve the needs of rural areas otherwise ignored by investor-owned (for-profit) utilities. Most rural electric power is still provided by rural electric co-ops.

Trump`s Statement of Administration Policy (against): HR 4447 would implement a top-down approach that undermines the Administration`s deregulatory agenda. HR 4447 would lead to higher energy costs and discourage innovation. It would create a `green bank` that would subsidize projects similar to wellknown failures like Solyndra. Finally, HR 4447 would interfere with our own energy destiny free from the reins of the Paris Climate Accord and international organizations that ignore the clear lessons that have led to American energy independence.

Common Dreams (against): Over 100 groups--including major environmental, climate and progressive organizations--oppose HR 4447. The heaviest burdens of the climate crisis fall on low-income communities and communities of color. `We applaud the environmental justice measures in this bill, but cannot support legislation that extends our country`s reliance upon fossil fuels,` said the Executive Director of the Progressive Democrats of America.

Legislative outcome: Passed House 220-185-24, Roll #206 on Sep. 24, 2020.

Source: Congressional vote 20-HR4447 on Sep 20, 2019

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