Energy

introduced · Montana · Legislature Feb 12, 2025

LC 224: Revise civil liability laws

This bill revises Montana's civil liability laws to protect electric facilities providers from lawsuits related to wildfires caused by their equipment or operations. It allows regulated utilities, electric cooperatives, and municipal utilities to submit approved wildfire mitigation plans that outline their risk management strategies, including vegetation management, equipment upgrades, and power line de-energizing procedures. If a provider submits and maintains an approved plan, they are shielded from civil liability for wildfire injuries or damages, provided they follow the plan's requirements. The Public Service Commission gains authority to create rules governing these mitigation plans, and the legislation includes specific definitions for key terms like "electric facilities provider" and "wildfire."

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyBill protects utility infrastructure from liability, encouraging investment in wildfire mitigation and energy infrastructure safety.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Utility Regulation

Track

introduced · Montana · Legislature Feb 24, 2025

LC 1496: Approve the siting of uranium conversion and enrichment facilities

This bill authorizes the siting of spent nuclear fuel reprocessing facilities in Montana, allowing the state to approve such facilities if they are located on sites of existing nuclear power plants or use fuel transported from out of state. The legislation requires that any proposed facility first receive a recommendation from the state Department of Environmental Quality and obtain a construction or operating license from the federal Nuclear Regulatory Commission. Additionally, the bill updates state environmental laws to require companies applying for federal nuclear facility approvals to notify the state and pay fees to support state review and participation in federal proceedings. These changes aim to establish a clear framework for evaluating and permitting nuclear fuel reprocessing operations within Montana's borders.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyBill authorizes siting of uranium conversion and enrichment facilities, expanding nuclear energy infrastructure and production capacity in Montana85% confidence ✗ EnvironmentOpposes EnvironmentBill authorizes uranium conversion and enrichment facilities, which may increase nuclear waste and environmental risks despite requiring DEQ recommendation.75% confidence

Sub-Topics Nuclear

Track

introduced · Montana · Legislature Dec 18, 2024

LC 532: Revise lease of state lands for underground gas storage

This bill authorizes Montana state officials to lease state-owned land for underground storage of natural gas, carbon dioxide, methane, and other gases, primarily for public utilities and government agencies. It expands the types of gases that can be stored and allows the state to sell any remaining native gas found in leased areas. The bill gives the state board authority to create rules for leasing and storage, requires lessees to post a bond of up to $20,000 to protect the state from financial loss, and mandates that lessees take precautions to prevent waste of existing oil or gas deposits. Violations of storage conditions could result in lease forfeiture after a hearing.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyBill expands state land leasing for underground gas storage, supporting energy infrastructure and utility operations by enabling natural gas and other gas storage capabilities.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Oil & Gas

Track

introduced · Montana · Legislature Jan 28, 2025

LC 1513: Revise laws related to public charging stations for electric vehicles

This bill updates Montana laws to regulate public charging stations for electric vehicles by establishing clear definitions, tax requirements, and metering standards. It directly affects charging station operators, owners, and public utilities by requiring new stations to have separate electric meters starting in 2023 and mandating that all existing public charging stations be metered by 2025. The legislation also introduces a 3-cent per kilowatt-hour tax on electricity used at public charging stations and requires operators to display charging rates at their sites. Additionally, the bill reduces electric vehicle registration fees by 30% beginning in 2028 and requires charging station owners to register their facilities with the Department of Transportation.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill introduces new tax revenue through EV charging fees, strengthening state budget capacity for infrastructure development.85% confidence ✓ EnergySupports EnergyBill promotes electric vehicle charging infrastructure, supports renewable energy adoption, and establishes metering standards for public EV charging stations.85% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill promotes electric vehicle infrastructure and clean energy adoption through charging station regulations and metering requirements, supporting environmental protection goals.85% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill establishes infrastructure standards for EV charging stations, promoting sustainable transportation and modernizing public charging infrastructure.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Electric Vehicles Electric Vehicles Vehicle Registration

Track

introduced · Montana · Legislature Jan 15, 2025

LC 2605: Transfer the state building energy conservation program to the Dept. of Administration A&E division

This bill transfers Montana's state building energy conservation program from the Department of Environmental Quality to the Architecture and Engineering Division within the Department of Administration. The change allows the new division to identify energy-saving opportunities in state buildings, conduct feasibility analyses, and manage funding for improvements while permitting the Department of Environmental Quality to keep certain federal funds. State agencies that pay utilities for state-owned buildings will continue to participate, and the program will focus on installing energy-efficient systems and equipment to reduce utility costs. The bill also updates related state laws to reflect the new organizational structure and reporting requirements for the program.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyBill transfers energy conservation program to improve state building efficiency, aligning with energy conservation goals.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Energy Efficiency

Track

introduced · Montana · Legislature Feb 10, 2025

LC 669: Requiring public utilities to report a plan for 100% renewables

This bill requires public utilities in Montana to create and submit detailed plans by June 1, 2026, outlining how they intend to transition to 100% renewable energy sources for their retail sales. The plans must include specific options, timelines, and challenges related to achieving this goal, with hydroelectric resources potentially included as part of the renewable mix. Additionally, each utility must address how its proposed transition will reduce greenhouse gas emissions in compliance with state constitutional requirements. The Energy and Telecommunications Interim Committee will review these plans, gather public feedback, and provide recommendations to the next legislature for further action.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyBill mandates 100% renewable energy transition for public utilities, directly advancing renewable energy infrastructure and reducing fossil fuel dependence.95% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill mandates 100% renewable energy transition for utilities, directly advancing environmental protection and reducing greenhouse gas emissions95% confidence

Sub-Topics Hydroelectric Renewable Energy Climate Change

Track

introduced · Montana · Legislature Feb 18, 2025

LC 326: Generally revise energy laws

This bill revises Montana's energy laws to establish a competitive bidding process for constructing new electric transmission lines valued at $8 million or more. It directly affects incumbent electric utilities, which retain the right to own and maintain transmission lines in specific regions after approving projects through a federally registered planning authority. The legislation requires utilities to conduct open bidding for qualifying projects while allowing them to set reasonable construction standards and inspect work to ensure compliance. Additionally, the bill clarifies definitions for transmission lines and incumbent utilities, and mandates equal sharing of transmission lines connecting two separate utilities unless otherwise agreed upon.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyBill establishes competitive bidding for transmission lines, which can improve infrastructure efficiency and potentially lower costs for consumers while supporting energy infrastructure development.75% confidence

Sub-Topics Electric Grid Transmission

Track

introduced · Montana · Legislature Jan 8, 2025

LC 2812: Revising solar energy policy laws

This bill establishes a Montana Solar Shares Act to create a shared solar energy program where multiple customers subscribe to electricity generated by a single solar facility. It requires public utilities to interconnect shared solar facilities within their service territories and provide on-bill credits to subscribing customers based on their share of the facility's output. The legislation defines shared solar facilities as systems between 50 kilowatts and 5 megawatts that serve multiple customers in the same area, distinguishing them from traditional net metering arrangements. Key provisions include rules for credit calculations, customer account transfers, and the ability for subscribers to assign their energy shares to low-income programs or nonprofits. The bill also grants the state commission authority to adopt specific rules for implementing this shared solar framework.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyBill establishes shared solar energy program, requires utility interconnection, and provides on-bill credits to promote renewable energy adoption.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Solar

Track

introduced · Montana · Legislature Jan 6, 2025

LC 222: Revise commercial property assessed clean energy laws

This bill amends Montana's Commercial Property-Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) program to expand financing opportunities for multifamily housing facilities with at least five residential units. It updates legal definitions to explicitly include multifamily properties and clarifies what qualifies as an energy conservation measure, such as insulation, window upgrades, HVAC modifications, and electric vehicle charging stations. The changes allow local governments to establish districts within their jurisdictions to administer these financing programs, enabling property owners to pay for energy efficiency improvements through property assessments rather than traditional loans. The bill takes effect immediately upon passage and approval by the legislature.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyBill expands PACE financing for multifamily housing energy efficiency upgrades including insulation, windows, HVAC, and EV charging stations.90% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill expands clean energy financing for multifamily housing, promoting energy conservation measures like insulation, window upgrades, and EV charging stations, directly supporting environmental protection and clean energy adoption.90% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill expands PACE financing for multifamily housing, enabling energy upgrades that improve housing quality and sustainability.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Electric Vehicles Energy Efficiency Renewable Energy Conservation

Track

introduced · Montana · Legislature Mar 17, 2025

LC 327: Interim study on interstate power grid development

This bill directs Montana's Legislative Council to conduct an interim study on creating an interstate compact for electric transmission infrastructure development. The study will examine legal frameworks, economic impacts, and best practices for cooperative agreements among states to improve energy grid reliability and reduce costs for ratepayers. Key tasks include analyzing how to streamline permitting processes, ensure fair cost-sharing, and incorporate market-based principles while respecting state sovereignty. The study must be completed by September 15, 2026, with final results reported to the next Montana Legislature.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyBill promotes interstate power grid development to improve reliability and reduce costs through cooperative agreements and streamlined permitting.75% confidence

Sub-Topics Electric Grid Transmission

Track