Helena's new Global Climate Change Task Force on Tuesday kicked off what promises to be a busy nine months.

The nine-member group is set to complete by mid-November an extensive review of city operations, with the goal of recommending ways to reduce energy use and greenhouse gas emissions from city-owned buildings and vehicles.

While some members have more technical expertise than others, all shared a desire to bring change at the local level.

"I grew up in Helena and have a great love for this place," member Patrick Judge said.

Stan Bradshaw was elected chair of the task force Tuesday, and Judge will serve as vice chair.

The group includes a city commissioner and a Helena Citizens' Council representative.

The other members, who are representing themselves and not their employers, include state and federal environmental agency workers; renewable energy, conservation and environmental advocates; Helena National Forest employees; and city residents.

The task force's first step is to establish an inventory of greenhouse gas emissions from city-owned facilities and vehicles. In the next year, it will work to recommend ways to reduce those emissions, conserve energy at city facilities and examine Helena's water supplies.

The group also will work to identify ways city government can encourage the private sector to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

The city has made a number of efforts in recent years to improve energy efficiency at various facilities. Workers have changed light bulbs, added sensor equipment to heating systems and improved insulation.

At the city's largest energy user, the wastewater treatment plant on Custer Avenue, a new Sterling engine soon will use excess methane gas to generate electricity and provide heat.

Workers also are preparing to install new variable-frequency drives -- motors that can be ramped up or down depending on the need, rather than always running at full tilt.

City Manager Tim Burton said those efforts were aimed at saving taxpayer dollars, though city officials see the value extending beyond their budget. The task force, he said, may help the city identify new measures officials simply hadn't thought of.

The group meets again March 4 at noon, with the location to be determined. Read the Independent Record in coming weeks for more information.

Reporter Larry Kline: 447-4075 or larry.kline@helenair.com