_____________ joint resolution NO. _____________

INTRODUCED BY _________________________________________________

By Request of the ****

A joint resolution of the Senate and the House of Representatives of the state of montana requesting an interim study to investigate electric vehicle technology, regulation of electric vehicles, and montana's preparedness for electric transportation technology.

WHEREAS, the State of Montana has long valued the importance of modern, efficient, and reliable modes of transportation in the interest of the health and welfare of its citizenry and economy; and

WHEREAS, advances in electric vehicle technology are positioned to revolutionize the transportation industry with the promise of low-cost, high-performance commercial applications for public and private fleet and individual electric transport; and

WHEREAS, Montana's rich portfolio of clean energy resources represents a perpetual source of power to fuel future electric transport capable of generating significant economic growth, quality jobs, and energy independence for the Treasure State; and

WHEREAS, electric transport represents a new and significant source of demand for the state's electric utilities, and a potentially important component to a highly interactive, smart electric grid; and

WHEREAS, a growing community of Montana businesses see an opportunity, working with state electric utilities, to engage electric transport market infrastructure and service opportunities; and

WHEREAS, distributed electric charging infrastructure also represents a significant future energy storage and demand response technology capable of shaving burdensome and costly peak demand.

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 or statutory committee, pursuant to section 5-5-217, MCA, or direct sufficient staff resources to conduct a study of electric transportation in order to:

(1) identify opportunities for state government to collaborate with utilities, neighboring states, and the private sector in maximizing economic opportunity, job creation, and access to low-cost electric transportation technology in the state;

(2) determine statutory or regulatory obstacles facing utilities electing to own, supply, or operate electric vehicle charging infrastructure in their territory;

(3) determine safety, performance, installation, and interconnection standards for in-home and commercial fleet charging stations; and

(4) determine state agencies' capacity for planning and utilization of electric transportation technology relative to each agency's mission.

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, 2022.

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 68th Legislature.