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Senator Baucus Announces Boost For Montana Energy Development and Jobs

Senator Secures Key Funding for Energy Resource Development,

Job Creation, Education and Training on Crow Reservation

Montana’s senior U.S. Senator Max Baucus http://baucus.senate.gov/ announced the release of funding that will provide education, training and long-term energy development associated with the Many Stars Coal-to-Liquids Project on the Crow Reservation. Under the Fiscal Year 2010 Energy and Water Development Appropriations bill, $1.25 million will go to the Montana Integrated Coal-to-Liquid (ICTL) Demonstration Project to further develop technology to convert coal into a mixture of gasoline, jet and diesel fuels.

“Investing in technology, education and training is key to jobs and boosting our state’s economy and the economy on the Crow Reservation,” said Baucus. “Montana is lucky to have so many energy resources that can drive economic growth in the state. Our coal reserves are one such resource – these funds will help expedite development of coal to liquids technology that can reduce our dependence on foreign oil and create jobs here at home.”

The main objective of the project is to further demonstrate integrated coal-to-liquids technology while implementing a comprehensive education and training program to prepare the local community for future jobs in the integrated coal-to-liquids arena.

Crow Tribal Chairman Cedric Black Eagle says the funding is a big win for economic development, “Clean coal technology depends on this type of funding to thrive and become a reality. Having the pilot project in Billings will be beneficial to the Crow Nation and the people across the state. We are very fortunate to have the leadership of Senator Baucus when it comes to clean coal technology which is so critical to the future of the Crow Tribe and the State of Montana.”

The funding will support human resource planning for the next phase of the Montana ICTL Demonstration plant and commercial Many Stars Coal-to-Liquids plant to specifically plan for additional long term benefits for the Crow Nation.

“Montana is fortunate to have so many energy resources that can drive economic growth in the state. Energy development is going to continue to play a growing role in our economy and in our lives,” Baucus said. “I will keep working with partners on all levels to see that we lead the charge to create good paying jobs in the energy sector right here in Montana, and help build up a work force of Montanans ready to fill those jobs.”

Contact: Kathy Weber 406-657-5915 or Jennifer Donohue 202-224-4362

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