Sen. Mike Cooney Encourages Alternative Energy

SB 301, sponsored by Sen. Mike Cooney (D-Helena) looks to advance energy conservation here in Montana. SB 301, titled “Tax Credit for Alternative Energy Capital Investment” would level the playing field on capital investments for those looking to improve upon our energy future.
According to Sen. Cooney, SB 301 acts as an “incentive to make alternative energies a reality.”
SB 301increases the tax credit an individual can take from $500 to $1,250 for the purchase of energy saving improvements, to now include lighting, refrigerators, dishwashers and clothes washers on a house or building. In addition, SB 301 extends this tax credit to owners of rental properties, thereby encouraging rental property owners to improve upon their energy efficiency in rental units.
Supporters of SB 301 range from concerned citizens to environmental agencies and the Montana Retail Association to the Montana Building Association. All proponents of this bill spoke to both the potential it has for stimulating our struggling economy and the increased desire for green building practices by consumers here in Montana.
In his closing remarks, Sen. Cooney made clear “we need to be more actively involved in moving people toward alternative energy.” Once the Senate Taxation Committee takes executive action on SB 301 we’ll be certain to update you.