State environmental regulators have submitted a list of proposals to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The list and its last minute changes were turned into the federal government late last week.
Right before turning in the plan to the federal government the state expanded proposed projects to include the agriculture and transportation sectors. Those had been absent from the Department of Environmental Quality’s draft plan that was given to the public for comment.
The additions were not published publicly before the federal government’s deadline. Montana’s plan does not include any policy changes or regulatory measures.
According to federal data compiled by state regulators, energy — particularly carbon dioxide emissions from burning fossil fuels — is responsible for 65% of the state’s overall greenhouse gas emissions.
The largest emissions reductions would come from proposals to mitigate coal seam fires, and the second largest from improving electric grid technology to move away from fossil fuel burning.
DEQ estimates this would reduce 4 million metric tonnes of emissions by 2030, and 20 million by 2050.
These state plans function like wish lists, outlining everything the state would like to receive federal funds for. With those lists submitted, states and tribes now have until April 1 to apply for specific dollar amounts related to any number of priorities outlined in the plan.
