ConocoPhillips' Billings refinery is located close to the downtown area of the city of Billings. The plant has therefore come under intense scrutiny regarding its emissions as well as its dealings with local residents.

The American Petroleum Institute invited a group of energy bloggers (paying for hotel and airfare) to see first-hand how this facility has managed itself as a responsible member of the community. SmartEnergy joined the group to learn about the refining process and the politics surrounding the Billings plant.

Forget alternative energies: in the short term the only feasible solution to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and petroleum dependencies is energy efficiency. There is much to be gained, especially in the U.S., where energy consumption per person has risen above that of any other country in the world. Professor Jim Sweeney directs the new Precourt Institute for Energy Efficiency on the Stanford University campus. Energy efficiency measures can reduce our consumption significantly whilst not hurting our economy nor lifestyle: there is no excuse not to go this way.