CBM Limits

<a href="http://www.billingsgazette.net/articles/2006/02/01/news/state/65-cbm-letter.txt">Legislators push for stiff CBM rules</a><br />n<br />n<blockquote>Fifty-nine Montana legislators have sent a letter to the Board of Environmental Review asking it to toughen water-quality rules to protect rivers and streams flowing into Montana from Wyoming.<br />n<br />nThe letter urged the board to "address serious problems associated with water and coalbed methane extraction" and to "move forward with this important solution to ensure protection of Montana's water for future generations."</blockquote><br />n<br />nThis is a good deal, I don't know if the Board of Environmental Review will act appropriately on it but the tough stance by so many legislators is promising. Normally I don't have much truck with what Rep. Norma Bixby, D-Lame Deer, has to say but this time around I have to agree with her.<br />n<br />n<blockquote>"I was pretty upset that Wyoming is telling Montana what standards to set for our water quality," Bixby said Tuesday. "We don't want our water polluted with coalbed methane water."<br />n<br />n"Wyoming needs to understand that we have the right to have a clean and healthful environment and clean water," Bixby said. "We don't want to be like them. They're already destroying their water and they're already destroying their land."</blockquote><br />n<br />nWyoming is whining that the rules could hurt the CBM industry. My view is that it might cut the profits for companies but with the high energy prices there will still be plenty of profit to be had by taking the appropriate measures to protect the environment. Just because Wyoming has a help the industry, hurt the environment mentality doesn't mean we all have to.<br />n<br />nUnless I am severely mistaken a state can set whatever rules they like for environmental waste as long as they meet the minimum federal guidelines. Montana could, and should, do this to help all Montanans out. The only question is why haven't we heard from the Governor on this issue? Not important enough to him or is he keeping his trap shut because the same rules will mess up his coal to fuel plans in Eastern Montana? Something to think about.<br />n<br />n<b>As the leaders and decision-makers of this great state, it is our responsibility to strive for perfection. Roy Barnes</b>