Northern Plains Resource Council

The Red Lodge City Council on Tuesday, Oct. 6, unanimously approved buying solar panels to power the city’s waste water treatment plant.

The photovoltaic solar panel system, which will use $458,000 in federal stimulus funds in the form of grants and low-interest loans, will achieve 14 percent of the carbon dioxide reductions needed by the city government to achieve its goal under the U.S. Mayors’ Climate Protection Agreement. With a conservative cost/benefit estimate of $1 spent will return $1.45 in savings, the panels will also save Red Lodge significant money over their lifetime. The plant is the city government’s second largest electricity user. Red Lodge is one of four Montana cities to adopt the U.S. Mayors’ Climate Protection Agreement.

“It’s been great to see how cooperation and persistence can make positive change for our community and the world.” said Elli Elliott, a member of the Carbon County Climate Protection Group and chair of the Carbon County Resource Council, an affiliate of Northern Plains Resource Council. “I am so impressed with this group of people who refused to be discouraged by an initial setback and went on to work out the details of a proposal that the members of the council, even the previous opponents, could back unanimously.”

The Carbon County Climate Protection Group worked with city staff, a financial analyst, and a local solar power supplier to draft the most cost-effective project. The Carbon County Resource Council helped mobilize public support.

A previously proposed solar project for the treatment plant failed on a 5-1 vote earlier this summer.

“I would just say it’s absolute proof that if you’re right, never give up,” said council member Glory Mahan. “This is how Red Lodge works best.”

The groups now will help Red Lodge fulfill the rest of its climate commitment.

“Red Lodge’s commitment to reducing carbon emissions exemplifies the community’s progressive spirit and its concern for its citizens and the future,” said JoAnn Eder, a member of the Climate Protection Group.