The Great Falls Gazette

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Opinion and Editorial

Save money! Protect Inflation Reduction Act clean-energy tax credits and programs

Save money! Protect Inflation Reduction Act clean-energy tax credits and programs

Senators Daines and Sheehy and Representatives Zinke and Downing should protect the IRA’s clean-energy measures. Here’s why: 1) Lower Energy Costs: More renewable electricity on the grid lowers our rates. Repealing the tax credits results in 10% higher electricity rates and about a $142 annual increase in

The IRA is Boosting the Economy and Congress Must Protect it

The IRA is Boosting the Economy and Congress Must Protect it

Did you know that Montana is winning big on fuel innovation? Montana Renewables, a subsidiary of Calumet, received a 1.5-billion-dollar loan, funded from the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) to bolster production of Sustainable Aviation Fuel and Renewable Diesel. When it’s all up and running, this expansion

Proposed College of Veterinary Medicine in Billings Offers Opportunities to Address Veterinarian Shortage in Rural Montana

Proposed College of Veterinary Medicine in Billings Offers Opportunities to Address Veterinarian Shortage in Rural Montana

In May 2024, I accepted an appointment to serve as the Founding Dean of Rocky Vista University College of Veterinary Medicine (RVU-CVM) in Billings. Since that appointment, the College has charted an ambitious course to fulfill accreditation requirements and complete construction of a 60,000 square foot facility in

Operating Headlights During Dark Hours

Operating Headlights During Dark Hours

Montana State Law stipulates “requiring headlights to be used from one-half hour after sunset until one-half hour before sunrise the following morning.” However while driving the streets and highways around Great Falls I have encountered at least 2 vehicles per night being operated without lights illuminated. One night

Stop the Federal Funding Freeze

Stop the Federal Funding Freeze

Thanks to Senator Steve Daines for doing the right thing. He got Montana Renewables’ $1.44 billion loan unfrozen. The freeze was due to President Trump's executive order pausing the disbursement of funds from the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). The pause is negatively affecting Montanans and millions of

Why Great Falls Needs a Stronger Recycling Program

Why Great Falls Needs a Stronger Recycling Program

Recycling in Great Falls, Montana, is a largely overlooked issue that, if addressed, could benefit the community. Unlike many cities where curbside recycling programs make it easy for residents to participate, Great Falls lacks such infrastructure. This leads to missed opportunities for reducing waste and conserving resources. As a result,

Why Medicaid Expansion Matters to Montanans 50+

Why Medicaid Expansion Matters to Montanans 50+

Right now, all across Montana, 81,000 Montanans are holding their breath, wondering if the program that helps keep them healthy will continue to be around for them. That program is the Montana Health and Economic Livelihood Partnership (HELP) Act, which has been improving the lives of our families, friends,