Montana energy economy dims, but consumers benefit

Montana’s energy economy is dimming, according to reports from both alternative and fossil fuel industries.

Coal is on the ropes as U.S. coal energy consumption hits a 24-year low, oil drilling has dropped dramatically in the Bakken and wind energy construction is soft. The natural resources and energy industries that account for almost 20 percent of Montana’s economy have lost some spark. However the cheap energy has been good for everyone else, said Patrick Barkey, Montana Bureau of Business and Economic Research economist.

TOM LUTEY

Full Story: http://bismarcktribune.com/bakken/montana-energy-economy-dims-but-consumers-benefit/article_6f0d1479-4cf4-5fa7-bdb3-43db83923831.html