The deal struck on January 1 by Congress to avert the so-called “fiscal cliff” includes the long-sought extension of the wind energy Production Tax Credit (PTC) and the Investment Tax Credits for community and offshore projects, according to a press release from the American Wind Energy Association (AWEA). The deal would cover all wind projects that start construction in 2013. Companies that manufacture and install wind turbines sought that definition to allow for the 18 to 24 months it takes to develop a new wind farm, according to the AWEA. Read the full press release at http://awea.org/newsroom/pressreleases/congressextendswindptc.cfm

NCAT, through its National Sustainable Agriculture Information Service (ATTRA), has released an update to its publication Solar-Powered Livestock Watering Systems. Because of falling prices, long life, and low maintenance requirements, solar is rapidly becoming the first choice for pumping water in remote locations. This publication gives an introduction to solar-powered livestock-watering systems, including discussions of cost, components, and terminology, as well as some suggestions for designing and installing these systems. The strengths and weaknesses of solar pumping are compared to the main options for pumping in remote locations: mechanical windmills, wind turbines, and portable generators powered by gas, propane, or diesel fuel. Design considerations for freeze protection in water-pumping systems are also discussed.

The publication is available for free download at https://attra.ncat.org/attra-pub/summaries/summary.php?pub=250

The Associated Students of the University of Montana were recently awarded a clean diesel grant from the Montana Department of Environmental Quality. The funds will be used to replace a bus currently in use at the student-run, student-funded transportation system, with a more efficient one, according to KPAX TV News.The six-bus system provided nearly 450,000 rides this year. Read the story at www.kpax.com/news/new-bus-coming-to-um/.

The proposed wind farm on C Hill outside of Anaconda is still under consideration by NorthWestern Energy, according to a report in The Montana Standard. The project is one of 30 proposals received by the utility, which is seeking to purchase up to 45 megawatts of renewable energy. A decision isn’t likely to be reached until at least the end of the year. Read the full story at http://mtstandard.com/news/local/wind-farm-won-t-move-forward-until-year-s-end/article_a973d064-32e2-11e2-bc3d-0019bb2963f4.html.

Meantime, Mark Sweeney, an Anaconda-Deer Lodge County commissioner, recently penned an editorial on the merits of the proposed wind project, including job creation and a “significant contribution” to the local tax base. Read his opinion at http://mtstandard.com/news/opinion/columnists/wind-farm-good-for-anaconda/article_dc8d6b6a-32d1-11e2-9f7c-0019bb2963f4.html.

The Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC) is accepting proposals for its Wood Product and Biomass Utilization Grants program. The goal of the program is to support increased and improved utilization of forest products, including biomass, in Montana. Eligible applicants—which include businesses, non-profits, school districts, state, local and tribal governments, or communities—may submit proposals for feasibility studies, planning, design, permitting or equipment purchases. Maximum award is $30,000 and the deadline to apply is December 17, 2012. Details are available at
http://dnrc.mt.gov/Forestry/Assistance/Biomass/Documents/201211WoodProdBiomassRFP.pdf