August 25, 2023 - By Mark Moran - Producer-Editor, Contact - News
Big Sky Connection - Montana homes and businesses are seeing the benefits of the Inflation Reduction Act a year in, with incentives for solar power, investments in a clean energy workforce, and even caps on prescription drug prices. Comments from Makenna Sellers, executive director, of Montana Renewable Energy Association; and Olga Kreimer (KRAY-mer), communications specialist at Mountain Line, a transportation company.
Missoula-based Mountain Line has grown to provide an average of 1.5 million rides per year, up 70% from 2014. The transportation company is making major enhancements to its service with federal infrastructure investments. (Mountain Line)
Mark Moran
August 25, 2923 - It has been a year since President Joe Biden signed the $770 billion Inflation Reduction Act.
In Montana, it has meant new jobs in agriculture, investments in solar power, and even caps on prescription drug costs. The bill was designed to create clean energy jobs, reduce pollution and encourage businesses to move away from fossil fuel consumption. It has also provided new funding for agriculture conservation programs, bolstering soil health and water quality on Montana farms and ranches.
Makenna Sellers, executive detector of the Montana Renewable Energy Association, said the investments are having a trickle-down effect far beyond agriculture.
"Since the passage of the IRA, now residential and small businesses can get 30% off the cost of their rooftop solar batteries or geothermal system," Sellers pointed out. "That's spurring private investment in the residential and small business world."
Sellers adds there are ongoing investments in Montana's small towns, too, where a handful of school buildings are being upgraded to be more energy efficient.
For average Montanans, tax credits and rebates in the Inflation Reduction Act, to encourage people to replace old furnaces or air conditioners or update wiring and insulation, are administered through Montana's Department of Environmental Quality and offered through 2032.
Beyond the Inflation Reduction Act, the infrastructure investments are making a difference at places like Missoula-based Mountain Line. The locally operated bus company received nearly $50 million to replace its diesel buses with electric ones, and construct a new, environmentally friendly facility.
Olga Kreimer, communications specialist for Mountain Line, said the grants will allow the company to offer better service to riders.
"We have zero-fare service," Kreimer noted. "People can access bus and paratransit services without that barrier of a fare. I think our commitment to zero tailpipe emissions by 2035 also is really inspiring to people. "
Kreimer added eliminating tailpipe emissions is especially important in Missoula, because it sits in a valley, trapping dirty air and increasing pollution.
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