PALM SPRINGS, CA - MARCH 27: Giant wind turbines are powered by strong winds in front of solar panels on March 27, 2013 in Palm Springs, California. According to reports, California continues to lead the nation in green technology and has the lowest greenhouse gas emissions per capita, even with a growing economy and population. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)

Keeping focus on its clean electricity goals and carbon reduction, Missoula County is moving forward with a number of new initiatives, from pursuing Montana’s first green tariff to a new policy on energy efficient buildings.

It’s also watching what county commissioners are describing as an “ambiguous” state Senate bill that could put the brakes on local efforts to pursue carbon reductions and efficiency.

Earlier this year, the city and county of Missoula, along with the cities of Bozeman and Helena, formally adopted a joint agreement to work with NorthWestern Energy on developing Montana’s first green tariff.

Missoula County adopts energy efficient building policy, set to pursue green tariff

By Martin KidstonMarch 12, 2021

Missoula students march for progress in addressing climate change in 2019. Missoula County has taken several steps the past few months to set the pieces in place as it pursues 100% clean electricity by 2035. Helena and Bozeman have similar goals. (Martin Kidston/Missoula Current)

Keeping focus on its clean electricity goals and carbon reduction, Missoula County is moving forward with a number of new initiatives, from pursuing Montana’s first green tariff to a new policy on energy efficient buildings.

It’s also watching what county commissioners are describing as an “ambiguous” state Senate bill that could put the brakes on local efforts to pursue carbon reductions and efficiency.

Earlier this year, the city and county of Missoula, along with the cities of Bozeman and Helena, formally adopted a joint agreement to work with NorthWestern Energy on developing Montana’s first green tariff.

“Green tariff’s are an increasingly common mechanism by which customers of regulated utilities have the option to buy power from newly developed renewable energy sources through a special rate,” said Diana Maneta, the energy conservation and sustainability coordinator for Missoula County. “A green tariff is not a tax. It’s a voluntary rate for electricity that you can chose to pay on your energy bill.”