2009 Montana Legislature

HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 1

INTRODUCED BY FRENCH

BY REQUEST OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY COUNCIL

A JOINT RESOLUTION OF THE SENATE AND THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MONTANA REQUESTING AN INTERIM STUDY TO EVALUATE THE FEASIBILITY OF EXPANDED USE OF BIOMASS FEEDSTOCKS FOR ENERGY USE IN MONTANA.

WHEREAS, the expanded use of biomass from forests, agriculture, and other sources for energy may provide substantial economic and environmental benefits to Montanans; and

WHEREAS, the Environmental Quality Council, in conducting a climate change interim study during the 2007-08 interim, identified the expanded use of biomass feedstocks for energy use in Montana as a potentially important policy directive that deserves further evaluation.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE AND THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MONTANA:

That the Legislative Council be requested to designate an appropriate interim committee, pursuant to section 5-5-217, MCA, or direct sufficient staff resources to:

(1) evaluate the feasibility of expanding the Alternative Energy Revolving Loan Program for biomass feedstock projects;

(2) evaluate Montana biomass feedstock tax incentives as well as other state biomass feedstock tax incentives with respect to reducing the capital costs of biomass energy production, including electricity generation and heating of residences and public buildings;

(3) analyze the potential use of pilot projects for different forestry and agriculture residues and liquid fuel production;

(4) evaluate funding alternatives for research and development on techniques for the collection, processing, transportation, storage, and distribution of forestry and agriculture residues, as well as market development or expansion for these materials;

(5) document research that has been conducted to:

(a) characterize emissions from biomass boilers and the impacts those emissions have on community air pollution; and

(b) mitigate emission impacts;

(6) evaluate the statutory impediments to Renewable Resource Grant and Loan Program eligibility for biomass feedstock projects, if any; and

(7) (a) evaluate the availability of the forest biomass resource in Montana from a biological, administrative, and economic standpoint; and

(b) evaluate available biomass resources against existing biomass consumption to determine the forest biomass balance.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that if the study is assigned to staff, any findings or conclusions be presented to and reviewed by an appropriate committee designated by the Legislative Council.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that all aspects of the study, including presentation and review requirements, be concluded prior to September 15, 2010.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the final results of the study, including any findings, conclusions, comments, or recommendations of the appropriate committee, be reported to the 62nd Legislature.

- END -

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