From the Helena Independent Record February 25, 2009:
http://www.helenair.com/articles/2009/02/25/opinions/readers_alley/elsaesser_090225.txt

Low carbon fuels

By Matthew Elsaesser - 02/25/2009

Every gallon we buy at the pump affects our environmental, economic and national security. A significant percentage of our transportation fuel is shipped across oceans and supports unsavory regimes. All of it emits carbon. Our choice at the pump is neither simple, nor consequence-free. Reducing these consequences starts with driving less, choosing fuel-efficient cars and trucks, and selecting the right alternative fuels. We currently have a unique opportunity to guide the development of alternative fuel in Montana. We can make a distinction between Iowa corn-based ethanol and Montana-grown biodiesel from camelina by calculating the full costs of producing and transporting the fuel.

Senate Bill 471 by Sen. Brueggeman, R-Polson, paves the way by having state government reduce the carbon intensity of its fuel purchases. This bill, which creates a Low Carbon Fuel Standard for state purchases, is the best way to determine which alternative fuels have environmental merit. It is also the best way to know if taxpayer dollars are spent on fuel from Montana or the Middle East. Fueling your car is not simple. The true costs are often hidden. The bill exposes the indirect costs to our environment and our nation's security.

Matthew Elsaesser

The S.A.V.E. Foundation

P.O. Box 1481