Democrat jobs plan forward thinking

In more than 30 years as a forester working in north Idaho and western Montana, I have learned the importance of a responsible, ecologically sound and sustainable, common sense approach to developing Montana’s natural resources. That is why I strongly support the jobs plan recently released by our Democratic legislators.

They advocate an inclusive approach to land management that encourages resource development while also protecting clean air and water, mitigating pressure for services on local communities, moving Montana toward a renewable, 21st century energy economy and investing in restoration of our forests and streams.

Montana has a long tradition of actively managing our resources and we must continue to responsibly develop our timber, oil and gas resources. We have one of the best oil and gas tax climates in the nation, with taxes 40 percent lower than South Dakota. This has brought jobs to the state, and it has grown our economy.

However, it has also put pressure on towns in eastern Montana. I concur with the jobs plan that states we must explore an oil and gas impact fund to assist these communities with police protection, infrastructure, schools and other local services.

But oil, gas and coal aren’t Montana’s only resources. We also have abundant renewable energy sources such as wind, geothermal, hydroelectric power and biomass. We have seen the expansion of renewable energy here in the Flathead already, from the new biomass burner at Stoltz Lumber, to the reopened hydroelectric plant in Whitefish, which will save the city tens of thousands of dollars.

The Democratic jobs plan for Montana includes recommendations to invest in restoring ecosystems that have been negatively affected by past management. Projects like the Clark Fork Milltown Dam removal by River Design Group are excellent examples of restoration that heals ecosystems while creating good paying jobs. In addition, many years of fire suppression has created conditions in our forests that are unlike anything in history. Reducing the density of trees in our forests through thinning and appropriate forest management will also create jobs and raw material for society.

I believe the plan for jobs presented by the Democratic leadership is an example of forward thinking with contemporary ideas that includes investing in communities and developing our natural resources. I pledge to work with my Republican counterparts to generate revenue and jobs. With predictable and appropriate regulations Montana can safely generate revenue for our schools, protect our communities and ensure our children will have resources available to them into the future.

— Ed Lieser is the Democratic candidate for House District 4