Energy

introduced · Montana · Legislature Jan 15, 2025

LC 4312: Transfer a portion of ending fund balance into the coal trust fund

This bill requires Montana to transfer 10% of excess state general fund revenue to the Montana Coal Severance Tax Permanent Fund after other specified budget transfers are completed. It modifies existing budget rules by directing this specific portion of unspent funds - calculated as 10% of amounts exceeding established reserve levels - to the coal tax fund, rather than other designated accounts. The transfer applies to funds remaining after the state meets its operating reserve level and other required transfers to the budget stabilization fund and capital projects account. This policy change affects how Montana manages its state budget surplus, specifically directing a portion of excess revenue toward the coal severance fund established under state law.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill directs excess state funds to coal trust fund per budget rules, promoting fiscal responsibility in budget allocation and state finance management.95% confidence ✗ EnergyOpposes EnergyRedirects state funds to coal severance fund, supporting fossil fuel industry over renewable energy development per bill's explicit funding mechanism.92% confidence

Sub-Topics State Budget Coal

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died · Montana · House May 20, 2025

HB 941: Revise state finance laws related to ARPA interest and the coal trust fund

HB 941 proposed to transfer all interest earnings generated from federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds. The bill directed the state treasurer to move these earnings into the coal severance tax permanent fund. It also included a small appropriation of $100 to the Department of Revenue for implementing the act. The bill specified alternative destinations for the funds and adjustments to other legislation, depending on the passage of related bills.

Topics ✗ EnergyOpposes EnergyDirectly funds coal trust, favoring fossil fuels over renewables per bill's coal severance tax focus85% confidence

Sub-Topics Coal

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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

Sub-Topics Coal

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died · Montana · Senate May 23, 2025

SB 171: Transfer a portion of ending fund balance into the coal trust fund

SB 171 requires that 10% of excess state general fund revenue, after meeting budget stability and capital projects fund thresholds, be transferred to the Montana coal severance tax permanent fund (coal trust fund). This bill amends Montana's budget law to direct a portion of surplus funds - specifically, funds exceeding established reserve levels - to the coal trust fund instead of remaining in the general fund. The transfer applies when the budget stabilization reserve fund and capital projects fund exceed 16% and 12% of general revenue appropriations, respectively. The coal trust fund, which supports coal-related programs, would receive this additional funding without altering the state's primary budget processes.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesRedirects surplus funds to coal trust fund, funding tax-related program per budget reallocation85% confidence ✗ EnergyOpposes EnergyTransfers funds to coal trust fund, favoring fossil fuel revenue over renewable energy initiatives per bill's focus on coal severance tax.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Revenue State Budget Coal

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introduced · Montana · Legislature Mar 23, 2025

LC 2266: Revise coal severance tax coal washing credit

This bill extends the expiration date of Montana's coal severance tax credit for coal washing from July 1, 2017, to July 1, 2027. The credit allows coal mining companies to reduce their severance tax liability when washing coal to remove impurities before sale. The bill amends two existing laws (2009 and 2015) to update the termination date and requires the secretary of state to notify Montana's tribal governments. The change takes immediate effect upon enactment, providing continued tax relief for coal producers using washing processes.

Topics ✗ Budget & TaxesOpposes Budget & TaxesExtends coal severance tax credit, reducing state tax revenue and weakening fiscal base by providing ongoing tax relief to mining companies.95% confidence ✗ EnergyOpposes EnergyExtends coal severance tax credit, favoring fossil fuel industry over renewables. No renewable energy provisions or clean energy support.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Coal

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died · Montana · Legislature May 20, 2025

LC 1911: Revise taxation of stripper oil wells

This bill amends Montana's tax code to create a uniform tax rate for both pre-1999 and post-1999 stripper oil wells. It increases the price threshold for the reduced tax rate from $30 to $54 per barrel of oil (using West Texas Intermediate pricing), meaning the lower tax rate only applies when oil prices fall below $54. Stripper wells are defined as those producing 3-10 barrels/day for pre-1999 wells or 3-15 barrels/day for post-1999 wells. The change affects small oil producers operating these low-production wells across Montana, directly altering their tax liability based on current oil market prices. The bill amends Sections 15-36-303 and 15-36-304 of Montana Code Annotated.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill raises oil price threshold for reduced tax rate to $54/bbl, increasing state revenue during high oil prices and strengthening budget through adjusted tax collection.90% confidence ✗ EnergyOpposes EnergyBill increases tax incentives for fossil fuel oil wells, favoring oil production over renewable energy development.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Business Taxes Oil & Gas

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signed · Montana · House May 13, 2025

HB 703: Exempt GHG emissions analysis for appliances, vehicles, engines

HB 703 exempts specific state and local agencies in Montana from analyzing greenhouse gas emissions during certain environmental reviews. The bill states that the state department and local building departments are no longer required to analyze greenhouse gas emissions from covered appliances when adopting or enforcing building codes. It also exempts the state department from analyzing greenhouse gas emissions from new motor vehicles, engines, and nonroad vehicles, and emissions originating outside the state's borders. The bill cites federal preemption laws as the basis for these exemptions from environmental review.

Topics ✗ EnergyOpposes EnergyBill removes GHG emissions analysis for appliances/vehicles, weakening environmental standards that would promote cleaner energy products and reduce emissions.90% confidence ✗ EnvironmentOpposes EnvironmentRemoves mandatory GHG emissions analysis for appliances/vehicles, weakening environmental review requirements per bill text95% confidence

Sub-Topics Climate Change

introduced · Montana · Legislature Mar 30, 2025

LC 739: Revise laws relating to wind turbine generators

LC 739 establishes new requirements for wind turbine generators over 500 feet tall in Montana. It mandates a minimum 1,500-foot setback from occupied residences (unless approved by the property owner) and limits rotor speed to 10% of maximum during deicing if turbines are within 2,500 feet of homes. The bill applies to new projects after January 1, 2026, directly affecting wind energy developers and nearby residential property owners. It also amends Montana's wind energy agreement law (Section 70-17-406) to include these safety and proximity standards.

Topics ✗ EnergyOpposes EnergyImposes strict setbacks (1,500ft) and operational limits on wind turbines, directly restricting new renewable energy development projects.95% confidence ✗ EnvironmentOpposes EnvironmentBill restricts wind energy development via setback rules and operational limits, hindering clean energy expansion and opposing environmental progress.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Wind

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died · Montana · Legislature May 23, 2025

LC 859: Generally restrict sales of power generated by Montana-located wind and solar

This bill (LC 859) proposed restricting how power generated by wind and solar facilities located in Montana could be sold. It would have directly affected Montana-based renewable energy producers and potentially utilities purchasing that power. The bill aimed to limit sales of such power outside Montana but was never enacted. The draft was placed on hold and ultimately died in the legislative process in May 2025, meaning no policy changes were implemented.

Topics ✗ EnergyOpposes EnergyBill explicitly restricts sales of Montana wind/solar power, limiting renewable energy market expansion and development.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Renewable Energy Solar

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died · Montana · Legislature May 23, 2025

LC 3897: Prohibit state procurement of scrutinized electric vehicles

LC 3897 would have prohibited state agencies from purchasing electric vehicles (EVs) identified as "scrutinized" by the state. This bill directly affected state departments and agencies responsible for vehicle procurement, preventing them from acquiring EVs under specific scrutiny. The bill died in process on May 23, 2025, without becoming law, so no policy change was implemented.

Topics ✗ EnergyOpposes EnergyBill prohibits state procurement of scrutinized EVs, restricting adoption of renewable energy vehicles and impeding clean transportation infrastructure development.85% confidence ✗ EnvironmentOpposes EnvironmentProhibits state procurement of EVs, directly restricting cleaner transportation adoption and undermining emissions reduction efforts.95% confidence ✗ TransportationOpposes TransportationProhibits state procurement of scrutinized EVs, restricting adoption of electric vehicles in government fleets under Transportation subject.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Electric Vehicles Electric Vehicles

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