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SENATE BILL NO. 290
INTRODUCED BY JACKSON, BERRY, BONIEK, BRANAE, D. BROWN, COHENOUR, ERICKSON, FLEMING, GILLAN, HINKLE, KEANE, LEWIS, MURPHY, REGIER, RIPLEY, ROBERTS, STEENSON, STEINBEISSER, J. TROPILA, VINCENT, ZINKE
AN ACT REQUIRING THE ENERGY AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS INTERIM COMMITTEE TO REVIEW THE STATE ENERGY POLICY EACH INTERIM AND RECOMMEND CHANGES TO THE LEGISLATURE; AMENDING SECTIONS 90-4-1001 AND 90-4-1003, MCA; REPEALING SECTION 90-4-1002, MCA; AND PROVIDING AN IMMEDIATE EFFECTIVE DATE.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MONTANA:
Section 1. Section 90-4-1001, MCA, is amended to read:
"90-4-1001. State energy policy goal statement. (1) It is the policy of the state of Montana to promote energy efficiency, conservation, production, and consumption of a reliable and efficient mix of energy sources that represent the least social, environmental, and economic costs and the greatest long-term benefits to Montana citizens.
(2) In pursuing this goal, it is the policy of the state of Montana to:
(a) recognize that the state's energy system operates within the larger context of and is influenced by regional, national, and international energy markets;
(b) maintain a continual process to review this energy policy statement and any future changes pursuant to 90-4-1003 so that Montana's energy strategy will provide for a balance between a sustainable environment and a viable economy; and
(c) adopt a state transportation energy policy as provided in 90-4-1010 and an alternative fuels policy and implementing guidelines as provided in 90-4-1011."
Section 2. Section 90-4-1003, MCA, is amended to read:
"90-4-1003. Energy policy development process. (1) (a) The Except as provided for in subsection (1)(b), each interim, the energy and telecommunications interim committee established in 5-5-230 department and the committee, in cooperation with the consumer counsel and the public service commission, shall maintain a continual process to develop the components of a comprehensive review the state energy policy. and recommend potential changes to the state energy policy,
(2) Because of limited state resources and the need to focus intensive effort on specific issues of importance, the development of a comprehensive state energy policy must occur on an incremental basis. As the need arises, the department, in cooperation with the appropriate state agencies and with extensive public involvement, shall identify and recommend to the committee specific components of a state energy policy for development under the consensus process described in pursuant to subsection (3) (2).
(b) During the 2009-2010 interim, the committee shall consult with a broad representation of stakeholders, including appropriate state agencies and the public, and focus on the following issues to be included in a revised state energy policy:
(i) increasing the supply of low-cost electricity with coal-fired generation;
(ii) rebuilding and extending electric transmission lines;
(iii) maximizing state land use for energy generation;
(iv) increasing energy efficiency standards for new construction;
(v) promoting conservation;
(vi) promoting energy efficiency incentives;
(vii) promoting alternative energy systems;
(viii) reducing regulations that increase ratepayers' energy costs; and
(ix) integrating wind energy.
(3)(2) (a) Upon selection of a specific energy policy component, the Except as provided in subsection (1)(b), the committee shall assign to a working group composed of representatives of the parties with a stake in that specific component the task of developing consensus recommendations for that component of state energy policy.
(b) The working group must include the broadest possible consult with a broad representation of stakeholders, including appropriate state agencies and the public, in developing the issues to be included within the specific component of proposed, revised state energy policy each interim.
(c) Whenever possible, the working group shall use a consensus process to develop recommendations for a specific energy policy component to be submitted to the committee. Recommendations that are not based upon consensus must be so noted by the working group. Upon consideration of the working group's recommendations, the
(3) Each biennium, the committee shall forward its recommendations to the legislature and to the appropriate state agencies for adoption.
(d) The department shall:
(i) provide staff support to the working group, including policy analysis, data gathering, research, technical analysis, and administrative support;
(ii) provide administrative coordination among the appropriate state agencies in the energy policy development process;
(iii) prepare reports for and make recommendations to the committee; and
(iv) consult regularly with the committee to coordinate each agency's activities.
(4) In carrying out their its responsibilities under this section, the department and the committee may contract with experts, consultants, and facilitators and may seek funding from a variety of private and public sources for technical and other assistance necessary shall use its interim budget, as allocated by the legislative council, and rely on the input of locally available experts and staff research to accomplish their its responsibilities."
Section 3. Repealer. Section 90-4-1002, MCA, is repealed.
Section 4. Effective date. [This act] is effective on passage and approval.
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