Montana Says EPA Rules Not a Problem

BILLINGS, Mont. (AP) — Montana Gov. Steve Bullock says the state can comply with the Obama administration's climate pollution reduction proposal while protecting energy sector jobs and keeping coal plants open.

Bullock on Friday offered several alternatives to meet the White House goal of cutting greenhouse gas emissions by 30 percent without shutting down plants including the huge coal-burning plant in Colstrip.

They include more aggressive promotion of renewable energies, greater efficiencies and the use of new technologies to capture carbon dioxide and keep it from entering the atmosphere.

The alternatives were contained in a study from the state Department of Environmental Quality released by Bullock's office.

States have until 2017 to come up with their own emission reductions plans and until 2018 if they partner with other states.