Energy

As chairman of the powerful Senate Finance Committee, Montana’s senior U.S. Senator, Max Baucus was a key author of the Jobs Bill- working to ensure the economic recovery legislation was right for Montana. The Jobs Bill will bring more than $600 million dollars to Montana and create or sustain more than 11,000 jobs.

Max is committed to finding energy solutions that boost Montana’s economy, create good-paying jobs, help Montanans stay warm in the winter and end America’s dependence on foreign oil. Max is fighting to ensure Montana is part of the energy solution.

The Jobs Bill’s provisions for Energy include:

  • $27 million for the Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) in Montana. The WAP funds are used to improve the energy efficiency of low-income homes using the most advanced technologies available today.
  • $25.7 million for the State Energy Program (SEP) in Montana. SEP grants can be used to address each state’s renewable energy and energy efficiency priorities.
  • The Renewable Energy Production Tax Credit- Extends the tax credit for facilities that produce power from wind, geothermal, biomass and other renewable sources.  These extensions will continue to drive development of Montana’s abundant renewable power resources. 
  • Clean Renewable Energy Bonds (CREBs)- An additional $1.6 billion of new clean renewable energy bonds to finance facilities that generate electricity from wind, biomass, geothermal and other renewable sources. 
  • Energy Conservation Bonds- $2.4 billion of energy conservation bonds to finance State, local and tribal government programs and initiatives designed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
  • Home Efficiency Credits- Increases to 30% the tax credit for home efficiency improvements, such as the cost of water heaters, windows and insulation.
  • Tax Credits for Alternative Refueling Property- increases business tax credits for alternative fuel pumps, such as those that dispense E85 or natural gas. 
  • Plug-in Electric Drive Vehicle Credit- increases tax credits for plug-in hybrid cars. 
  • Consumer and Business Energy Credits- increases tax credits for individuals and businesses with a ‘small wind’ property.

 

There are several resources available for organizations interested in receiving some of this vital funding. The websites recovery.gov and recovery.mt.gov are excellent places to start.  Baucus staff can also offer support including help contacting the appropriate agency or department and providing support during the funding process.