(WASHINGTON, D.C.) – From wind and biomass to biofuel and even pond scum, Montanans have no shortage of ideas about how to create jobs and reduce America’s dependence on foreign oil by tapping into Montana’s potential to develop renewable energy.

 

They’ll get more help in their efforts when one of the bills passed by the Senate Appropriations Committee becomes law.

 

Senators Jon Tester, a member of the subcommittee that drafted the bill, and Max Baucus announced today that this year’s Energy and Water Appropriations Act  includes funding for several innovative renewable energy projects across the Treasure State, including:

 

 

Tester just last week helped MSU-Northern’s Bioenergy Resource Center launch a new project to power a BNSF engine using Montana-grown biofuel.

 

“I want to thank both Senator Tester and Senator Baucus for including MSU-Northern in this very important bill. It will help us create additional solutions that promotes a cleaner, sustainable environment,” said MSU-Northern Chancellor Frank Trocki.  “The appropriation will allow us to continue our commitment to advanced, applied research in bio-fuel and bio-lubricant development. It will assist MSU-Northern to provide several alternatives for industry to use in all types of diesel engines, jet, train, marine, helping them to burn more efficiently and significantly reduce their carbon footprint.”

 

Trocki added that he anticipates a significant economic benefit to the growers of camelina in Montana and in workforce development for crushing and processing facilities producing quality, clean, and energy efficient bio-fuel for the nation.”

 

“This legislation is an investment in innovation, and it’s an investment in the future of Montana,” Tester said.  “All of these endeavors will expand Montana’s potential to become a world leader in renewable energy development.  They will save folks money in the long run.  And they make our country safer by helping cut our dependence on foreign energy.”

 

“All of these projects are good examples of how we can get the most bang for our buck and create good-paying jobs through renewable energy,” Baucus said.  “Montana has plenty of renewable resources.  Now we need to capitalize on them by investing in the home-grown research and technology needed to make them a bigger part of America’s energy future.”

 

The Energy and Water Appropriations Act must first pass the full Senate and the U.S. House of Representatives before the funding can be signed into law.

 

Links: List of funding for Montana under the legislation.