Energy (Hydroelectric)

This bill creates a new 10% severance tax on electricity produced in Montana using non-coal sources such as wind, solar, or hydroelectric power, while exempting coal-generated electricity from the tax. The tax is calculated based on the gross sale price of the electricity at the point of production, and producers must file quarterly returns with the Department of Revenue to report and pay the tax. Revenue collected from this tax will be placed in a special state account and used to fund local government infrastructure projects that were traditionally supported by coal severance tax revenue. Additionally, the bill reduces the existing coal severance tax rate to match the new electrical energy production tax rate, creating a revenue-neutral transition between energy sources.