Bill > HB47

This bill revises Montana's state building energy conservation program by making several key changes. The bill eliminates the Department of Environmental Quality's previous authority to issue energy conservation program bonds and instead allows the department to set an annual interest rate for energy conservation projects, not exceeding 3%. It updates definitions related to the program, broadening the concept of "energy conservation" to include utility and associated operation and maintenance cost savings. The bill modifies how state agencies will participate in energy conservation projects, including how they report and transfer energy cost savings. Specifically, the legislation creates and refines several special revenue accounts, including an energy conservation program account and an energy conservation repayment account, to manage funds for energy efficiency projects in state-owned buildings. The bill also removes two sections of existing law related to bond issuance and provides for an effective date of July 1, 2025. These changes are designed to provide more flexibility in funding and implementing energy conservation improvements across state facilities, with a focus on identifying and implementing cost-effective energy-saving projects.

Government Affairs

https://bills.legmt.gov/#/laws/bill/20251/LC0544