Energy

died · Montana · House May 20, 2025

HB 314: Create a state energy authority

HB 314 proposed creating a State Energy Authority to help develop Montana's energy resources and improve electricity transmission within the state and regionally. This authority would consist of 14 members appointed by the governor, representing utilities, energy stakeholders, and state agencies. Its responsibilities would include planning, developing, and analyzing energy and transmission projects, coordinating with state agencies, and participating in regional energy initiatives. The bill also proposed funding the authority's activities through a special revenue account, using money from the wholesale energy transaction tax.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyCreates State Energy Authority to develop resources and improve transmission infrastructure, directly advancing energy infrastructure development per bill summary.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✗ Voted No ✗ Opposes Energy

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died · Montana · House May 20, 2025

HB 858: Revise coal severance tax coal washing credit

HB 858 aimed to revise the coal severance tax coal washing credit in Montana. The bill proposed to extend the termination date for specific definitions related to "coal washing" and "contract sales price," which are used to calculate this tax credit. If passed, these definitions, relevant to coal mining operations, would have remained in effect until July 1, 2027, rather than expiring earlier. The bill also included a provision for notifying tribal governments about the act.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesExtends coal severance tax credit expiration, providing ongoing tax relief for coal mining operations, aligning with tax relief indicators.92% confidence ✗ EnergyOpposes EnergyExtends coal severance tax credit, providing ongoing financial support to coal mining operations, favoring fossil fuels over renewable energy development.90% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✗ Opposes Energy

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signed · Montana · House May 19, 2025

HB 623: Revise laws relating to nuclear energy

HB 623 establishes the conditions under which temporary spent nuclear fuel storage facilities can be sited within the state. It specifies that such facilities must be located on the site of an existing nuclear power generating facility and store fuel produced by that facility. Authorization for these facilities also requires a state recommendation from the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) and a license from the federal Nuclear Regulatory Commission. The bill amends existing law to clarify the DEQ's role in reviewing federal applications for these facilities, requiring applicants to submit their federal applications to the DEQ and pay a fee for the department's review and participation in federal proceedings.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyBill enables temporary spent nuclear fuel storage at existing plants, supporting nuclear energy infrastructure without restrictions.90% confidence | Rep's Stance ✗ Voted No ✗ Opposes Energy

signed · Montana · House May 16, 2025

HB 55: Revising public utility resource planning laws

HB 55 revises the laws governing how public utilities plan for their customers' future energy needs. It requires public utilities to submit detailed resource plans every three years, including evaluations of renewable energy and demand-side management scenarios, and to hold more public meetings before submitting these plans. The bill establishes a special revenue account within the Department of Environmental Quality to fund an independent evaluator, paid for by fees charged to public utilities, who will assist in reviewing these plans. Additionally, the state commission can now engage independent consultants to evaluate utility plans, with these costs being recoverable in rates charged to customers.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill establishes special revenue account funded by utility fees to support independent evaluation, directly advancing fiscal oversight under appropriations.95% confidence ✓ EnergySupports EnergyMandates evaluation of renewable energy scenarios and demand-side management in utility planning, advancing renewable integration and efficiency standards.95% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentRequires renewable energy evaluations in utility plans and funds DEQ independent evaluator via utility fees, advancing clean energy planning and environmental oversight.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✗ Voted No ✗ Opposes Energy

signed · Montana · House May 13, 2025

HB 696: Revise laws relating to nuclear energy

House Bill 696 establishes a framework for the legislative approval of spent nuclear fuel reprocessing facilities within Montana. It authorizes such facilities if they reprocess fuel from in-state or out-of-state sources, receive a state recommendation from the Department of Environmental Quality, and obtain a federal license from the Nuclear Regulatory Commission. The bill also amends existing law, requiring companies applying to federal energy or nuclear regulatory commissions to notify the state's Department of Environmental Quality and pay a fee to support the department's review and participation in federal proceedings.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyAuthorizes nuclear reprocessing facilities, enabling clean energy infrastructure development within Montana's energy framework95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✗ Voted No ✗ Opposes Energy

signed · Montana · Senate Apr 18, 2025

SB 228: Revise laws related to public charging stations for electric vehicles

SB 228 revises laws related to public electric vehicle (EV) charging stations, affecting EV owners and charging station operators. The bill imposes a 3-cent per kilowatt-hour tax on electricity delivered to public charging stations, with specific effective dates for new and existing stations. It mandates that all public charging stations install a separate electric meter, with the owner responsible for installation costs. Additionally, the bill eliminates a future 30% reduction in state registration fees for electric vehicles. Public charging station operators are also required to register with the state and disclose their charging rates.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesImposes 3-cent/kWh tax on EV charging stations, directly increasing tax revenue under taxation policy for transportation infrastructure.90% confidence ✓ EnergySupports EnergyBill mandates EV charging infrastructure improvements with tax for regulation, supporting renewable energy adoption and clean transportation infrastructure expansion.85% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill establishes regulations and funding mechanisms for EV charging infrastructure, directly promoting sustainable transportation adoption through public charging station requirements and tax structure.92% confidence | Rep's Stance ✗ Voted No ✗ Opposes Energy

passed · Montana · House Feb 10, 2025

HR 2: Resolution supporting the exploration development, processing and refining of critical minerals

This Montana House resolution (HR 2) expresses legislative support for expanding critical minerals development within the state. It urges state, federal, tribal, and local entities to advance exploration, processing, and recycling of minerals like rare earth elements, platinum group metals, and others found in Montana's geology. The resolution highlights Montana's existing mining infrastructure and aims to strengthen domestic supply chains for technologies, energy, and defense - reducing reliance on foreign sources like China. As a symbolic resolution (not binding law), it directs Montana's delegation to advocate for these projects but does not create new regulations or funding.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyBill explicitly supports critical minerals development for energy supply chains, aligning with renewable energy infrastructure needs as stated in its summary.90% confidence ✗ EnvironmentOpposes EnvironmentBill prioritizes mining development without environmental safeguards, advancing industry over conservation and pollution control in mineral extraction.85% confidence | Rep's Stance ✗ Voted No ✗ Opposes Energy

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