Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Montana Renewables to receive a billion dollar loan to increase production 

A Montana fuel company will receive a billion dollar loan from the federal government to increase its production. Local communities hope these funds will enable the company to dispose of its waste differently.

The U.S. Department of Energy will loan $1.4 billion to Montana Renewables, a subsidiary of the Calumet Refinery in Great Falls.

The money will be used to expand Montana Renewables’ production of alternative aviation and diesel fuels derived from vegetable oils, grease and animal fats. The company is the largest producer of this type of jet fuel in the country. It says this expansion will enable it to double production.

Loans like this are part of the Biden Administration’s efforts to move away from the use of fossil fuels that drive climate change.

Pondera County Commissioners released a statement in response to the loan announcement saying they hope this funding will enable Montana Renewables to build its own wastewater treatment facility. The company’s fuel generation process produces thousands of gallons of wastewater it has been unable to treat.

Ellis Juhlin is MTPR's Environmental Reporter. She covers wildlife, natural resources, climate change and agriculture stories. She worked at Utah Public Radio and Yellowstone Public Radio prior to joining MTPR, and in wildlife conservation before becoming a journalist. She has a Master's Degree in Ecology from Utah State University and is an average birder who wants you to keep your cat indoors. Her life is run by her three dogs, one of which is afraid of birds.

ellis.juhlin@mso.umt.edu
406-272-2568
Contact me
Become a sustaining member for as low as $5/month
Make an annual or one-time donation to support MTPR
Pay an existing pledge or update your payment information