Understanding Petroleum

Understanding Petroleum

Two questions nag America’s energy policy. First, when will America move from fossil fuels? Second, what is the next source of BTUs? No one knows the answers — but knowledgeable people agree the shift won’t come soon. Aside from temporary shortages caused by political disruptions, the world is awash in cheap oil and will be […]

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 Romantic Environmentalism: A Fatal Conceit?

Romantic Environmentalism: A Fatal Conceit?

Montana Governor Judy Martz blamed this summer’s fires on Green groups, accusing them of “environmental terrorism.” But let’s be clear: drought, combined with hot, windy weather, was the chief culprit behind this season’s fires. The West has a history of sporadic big fires and it always will. While a few environmental groups do engage in […]

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 Resiliency Is the Key to Climate Change

Resiliency Is the Key to Climate Change

The latest round of international talks on global warming recently took place in India. Developing countries refused to agree to restrictions on their greenhouse gas emissions. They were more interested in adapting to climate change than cutting emissions. I think this is good news. In July, the Foundation for Research on Economics and the Environment […]

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 Realities and Opportunities in the Next West

Realities and Opportunities in the Next West

The Kalispell Daily Inter Lake lamented the closing of the Stimson mill in Libby: “When the centerpiece of Montana’s timber basket loses its last mill, industry watchers say the impacts will be profound.” It tells us even Montana’s best timberland can’t compete with the Southeast and Pacific Northwest. The laws of silviculture dictate that trees […]

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