FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

November 15, 2021

MCV: ‘the Big Sky State will thrive with Senator Tester’s bipartisan infrastructure bill becoming law

Conservation group praises infrastructure bill and looks next to the Build Back Better bill for further clean energy investments

(BOZEMAN, Mont.) –– Montana Conservation Voters released the following statement from Executive Director Whitney Tawney in response to President Biden signing the Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill into law:

“Montana won big today. We’re grateful for Senator Jon Tester’s enduring work to ensure Montana’s needs are met in this historic, bipartisan infrastructure bill. From rural water projects to electric vehicle charging stations and grid-related investments, the Big Sky State will thrive from these much-needed investments for generations. We now look to building an even brighter future for Montana by passing the Build Back Better bill to double down and invest further in clean energy jobs.”

The bipartisan infrastructure bill now signed into law includes:

• $5 billion in Department of Energy formula grants to States and Tribes to improve grid resiliency for climate-related disasters, with the specific purpose of reducing wildfire risks.

• $5 billion for the Clean School Bus Program to provide grants for replacing current school buses with electric and zero-emission buses.

• $7.5 billion for electric vehicle charging infrastructure to improve long-distance charging corridors.

• $3.369 billion for wildfire risk reduction.

• $2.5 billion to complete all authorized Indian water rights settlements for Montana Tribes

• $1 billion for rural water projects through the Bureau of Reclamation, including:

  • $17M for Fort Peck/Dry Prairie Regional Water System

• Over $350 million for rural Montana water projects including:

  • $198 million for the Rocky Boys/North Central Rural Water Project

  • $100 million for the Milk River Project

  • $56 million for the Musselshell-Judith Rural Water Project

The bipartisan infrastructure bill passed the Senate on August 10 and nearly three months later received House approval on November 5. The passage of the reconciliation companion bill, Build Back Better, with substantial provisions to fight climate change, is expected for a vote in the House the week of November 15.

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