VIDEO: Federal Dollars for Montana Schools Part II - Success Stories in Electric Buses, Solar Power & Energy Upgrades

We are so thankful for the wonderful group of experts and school representatives who joined us on November 15th for our second webinar on utilizing federal funds for electrifying Montana schools! If you missed our first webinar, you can find the recording and accompanying resources here.

This recent webinar featured inspiring success stories from across the state from Havre to Winnett. With a focus on successful partnerships, we also heard from a representative at Ameresco working to make the energy-efficient renovations at Charlo School District a reality. Additionally, experts at the EPA’s Clean School Bus Program (Courtney Johnson and Marisa McPhilliamy) and the U.S. Department of Energy (Andrea Swiatocha) joined us, sharing resources for school districts from planning to implementation. Watch the webinar recording above to hear about funding opportunities (listed below) and success stories of Montana school districts who have championed solar, EV buses, and electric HVAC systems that save money, improve their students’ attendance, air quality and comfort.

We’re very grateful to our co-sponsors for the event (Moms Clean Air Force and Montana Health Professionals for a Healthy Climate), and all of our amazing panelists! Thank you!

Here are the big takeaways from the webinar:

THERE’S A LOT OF FEDERAL MONEY AVAILABLE FOR MONTANA SCHOOLS TO SAVE MONEY, REDUCE AIR POLLUTION, REPAIR BUILDINGS, AND ADD COMFORT TO CURRENT SCHOOL BUILDINGS

1. Renew America’s Schools Grant (U.S. Department of Energy):

   • $500 million in funding available

   • Covers things like energy efficiency improvements (lighting, windows, doors..etc), solar panels, controllers, alternative vehicles & infrastructure

   • Second round of funding in Spring 2024

   • Map of 2023 recipients

2. Clean School Bus Program (EPA)

   • $5 billion in funding over 5 years

   • Covers electric and alternative-fuel school buses

   • Accepting applications NOW through January 31st, 2024

3. Drive & Ride Event (December 14th, 2023)

   • Come to Families for a Livable Climate’s FREE Drive & Ride event on Dec. 14 to inspect new electric bus models and charging equipment, take a test ride (or even drive one yourself), and get your questions answered by expert mechanics. DETAILS AND RSVP HERE

4. Elective Pay Tax Credit (IRS) 

   • Tax-exempt and governmental entities that were generally unable to use tax credits can now benefit from clean energy tax credits using new options enabled by the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022

5. Justice40

   • 40 percent of the overall benefits of certain Federal funds flow to disadvantaged communities that are marginalized, underserved, and overburdened by pollution.

   • Qualified communities

PLAN AHEAD, ASK QUESTIONS, AND UTILIZE RESOURCES ALREADY AVAILABLE

1. Better Buildings & Climate Challenge (U.S. Department of Energy)

   • Partner with the DOE’s network of technical and industry experts to develop innovative cost-effective energy solutions, and get recognized for your leadership and innovation

2. Technical Assistance (EPA & DOE)

   • Providing technical assistance and capacity building resources to improve thriving communities throughout the country region by region

3. Efficient and Healthy Schools (Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory)

   • A nationwide support network of schools and districts working to improve energy performance, reduce carbon emissions, and promote a healthy learning environment in schools

FIND SUPPORTIVE PARTNERS, THINK BIG, AND GET CREATIVE

Successful partnerships build power and allow smaller school districts to leverage federal funding and think big! Partnerships can support a whole community from energy companies, local contractors, and universities.

1. The Climate Pollution Reduction Grant (CPRG) (MT DEQ)

   • Great opportunity to leverage community partnerships to reduce statewide emissions

   • $5 billion between 2 phases

   • Applications due April 1, 2024

2. Universal Systems Benefits (Northwestern Energy) 

   • E+ Renewable Energy Program for renewable energy installations on non-profit or government/public buildings

   • Spring proposals due on May 1; Fall proposals due on November 1, 2024

Special thank you to our panelists & partners:

Andrea Swiatocha, Schools & Nonprofits Team, US DOE. Email: andrea.swiatocha@hq.doe.gov

Courtney Johnson and Marisa McPhilliamy, Environmental Protection Agency. Emails: Johnson.Courtney@epa.gov and McPhilliamy.Marisa@epa.gov 

Woody Woodwick, bus driver for Havre Public Schools

Scott Reiter, Director of Facilities for Billings Public Schools 

Matt Thompson, Ameresco

Steve Love, Superintendent of Charlo Public Schools

Moderator: Winona Bateman, Executive Director, Families for a Livable Climate

Many thanks again to our co-sponsors: Moms Clean Air Force and Montana Health Professionals for a Healthy Climate.