The state Senate voted 26-24 to kill Senate Bill 247, which would have allowed homes and businesses to install larger net-metered renewable energy systems. According to a report in the Missoulian, the bill would have increased the size of allowable net-metered systems to 100 kilowatts. That size cap is currently 50 kilowatts. Opponents of the measure believe it would shift the cost of electricity to other utility customers, whereas proponents believe it would create jobs in Montana. Read the full story at http://missoulian.com/news/state-and-regional/montana-legislature/montana-senate-kills-bill-allowing-more-to-sell-excess-renewable/article_351483f4-7f9e-11e2-835a-0019bb2963f4.html.

A new report from the Montana Department of Environmental Quality, Energy & Pollution Prevention Bureau, identifies available state and federal energy incentives for coal, oil, natural gas, renewable energy, and energy conservation. The report is available on the Energize Montana website at http://deq.mt.gov/Energy/default.mcpx (click on ‘white paper’).

As part of a new five-year contract with First Student, Inc., the Bozeman School Board will switch over to new propane school buses, reports the Bozeman Daily Chronicle. According to the report, the new buses will reduce the district’s costs by some $123,000 each year and also reduce harmful emissions compared to conventional diesel buses. The new propane buses are expected to be in place by the beginning of next school year. Read the full story at http://www.bozemandailychronicle.com/news/education/article_d1898638-6a74-11e2-9e72-001a4bcf887a.html

NorthWestern Energy and Clean Edison are co-sponsoring a free Training for Solar Installers beginning with an online workshop at the end of January and classroom training in February. For more information, contact [email protected] or call 646-490-2892. There is a limit of 10 students.

Lewis and Clark County has announced a new green business certification program that also extends to Jefferson and Broadwater counties. According to sustainability coordinator Emily Post, the Tri-County Green Business Program is a free, voluntary certification program that recognizes local businesses for their resource-efficiency efforts. Businesses who participate will learn how to assess their energy and water consumption and their waste generation, as well as how to increase overall sustainability. The program will include monthly workshops and grants to help small businesses invest in water or energy efficiency efforts, or renewable energy projects. Learn more at www.aeromt.org/2013/01/03/tri-county-green-business-program/