About the Energy Promotion & Development Division
About
The Energy Promotion and Development Division was created in 2007 to help implement Governor Schweitzer's commitment to 'clean and green' energy development in Montana. Our state has abundant natural resources that can be harnessed to develop home-grown American energy, using American workers. The Energy Promotion and Development Division is the front-line for state support for energy development in Montana and our staff is poised to assist in all aspects of potential energy projects, both energy production facilities and the supportive energy delivery infrastructure. We work directly with the Governor, the Governor's Office of Economic Development and other state agencies to help facilitate processes related to permitting, siting, workforce, and financial assistance.
Mission
The mission of the Energy Promotion and Development Division is to help create high quality energy-related jobs and enhance domestic energy security by working directly with private industry, local & regional economic development organizations, as well as with state, federal, and tribal governments to facilitate, promote and develop clean & green energy projects throughout Montana.
Vision
Montana's world class energy resources--wind, oil & gas, bio-fuels, bio-mass, hydro, geothermal and major reserves of coal and more--are second to none in the United States and provide us with the opportunity to help the nation wean itself from foreign oil and meet the challenges of global climate change while creating economic growth opportunities here in Montana. Utilizing these energy resources, and our business-friendly environment, Montana is poised to lead the nation in clean, green energy development. Through the work of the Energy Promotion and Development Division, our goals of creating jobs for Montanans, securing the economic future of our tribal partners, and providing home-grown energy to the nation's growing population and economy will become reality.
American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA)Funding
Over half of the operations funding ($510,000 - 2011 Biennium) for the Energy Promotion and Development Division is provided by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) in accordance with the Montana Reinvestment Act (HB 645) signed into law by Governor Schweitzer on May 14, 2009. The balance of the operating funds come from House Bill 2 ($400,000 - 2011 Biennium).
Staff
Kevin Furey, Energy Development Specialist
Tom Kaiserski, Program Manager
Nick Leslie, Energy Development Specialist
Chantel McCormick, Energy Development Specialist
Sarah Trueax-Desmond, Program Assistant
