The early August shift in weather has brought welcome relief—offering a chance to take deep breaths and enjoy the late-summer rains. Meanwhile, far from Montana’s seasonal rhythms, the 2026 federal budget process is underway in Washington, D.C., with major implications for energy and climate policy.
The White House’s proposed budget includes severe and troubling cuts to clean energy and climate programs. Fortunately, it’s Congress—not the administration—that ultimately controls federal funding. Lawmakers must reconsider recent actions and chart a course that supports economic growth, lowers energy costs, strengthens national security, and promotes free enterprise.
Take, for example, the recently passed “One Big Beautiful Bill Act.” This legislation is projected to eliminate 1.6 million clean energy jobs and reduce electricity generation by 220 gigawatts by 2035—equivalent to the nation’s current solar capacity. As a result, Americans will likely face higher electricity prices.
The bill also rolls back clean energy tax credits passed in 2022, which have already driven $2 billion in private investment across 12 energy and manufacturing facilities in Montana. Another $3.5 billion in announced investment across 35 additional projects is now at risk. In total, 47 Montana-based projects face uncertainty—jeopardizing jobs, slowing economic growth, and raising costs for families and businesses.
Clean energy sources like wind, solar, and battery storage are among the lowest-cost options available. As demand surges—fueled in part by AI and data centers—these resources can help stabilize prices, strengthen grid reliability, and reduce emissions. They also represent economic opportunity, attracting private investment and creating high-quality jobs here in Montana.
With household energy bills already rising, I urge Congressman Zinke, Congressman Downing, Senator Daines, and Senator Sheehy to reject harmful budget cuts. Instead, they should support practical, forward-looking policies that allow clean energy to compete and scale—ensuring reliable, affordable power for Montanans.
As Congress finalizes the FY26 appropriations, please continue to support programs that protect Montana communities from extreme weather, bolster U.S. energy leadership, and prepare the grid for growing demand. Cuts to key programs at NOAA, NASA, and the Department of Energy would hinder critical research, slow innovation, and undermine our global competitiveness—all while increasing long-term costs for taxpayers and ratepayers.
I specifically urge full funding for two essential DOE initiatives: the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) and the Advanced Research Projects Agency–Energy (ARPA-E). Both are vital for advancing innovation and ensuring energy reliability.
The last budget reconciliation bill went too far in slashing clean energy support. Our delegation now has a chance to correct course—by funding key programs, resolving clean energy tax credit implementation, and supporting smart permitting reforms. If they do so in service of Montanans’ interests, we can all breathe a little easier again.
By Tim Miller: August 10, 2025 – Missoula, Mt
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