Schweitzer: Oil, gas, coal key to E. Montana’s future

In a broad sweep of topics, Gov. Brian Schweitzer on Friday emphasized his desire to bring economic development to Eastern Montana by developing its energy resources. He said he expects the petroleum industry to play a big part in that development and challenged its members to help get the investment necessary to start it.

“It is my intention to drive the economy of Eastern Montana,” he said. “Western Montana will take care of itself. But it is criminal not to challenge the people who live there (in Eastern Montana) and investors from around the country to do it.” Schweitzer, a guest speaker to the Society of Petroleum Engineers luncheon in Billings, outlined his vision of energy development in Montana’s Eastern counties for about 100 people at the Sheraton Hotel’s Petroleum Club.

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