Commissioners approve sending letter raising concerns about federal 45Q tax‑credit treatment for CO2 projects
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Summary
The commission voted to send a letter to Montana’s federal delegation and state legislators expressing concerns about the scope and local impacts of 45Q tax‑credit provisions for carbon‑capture projects and to inform state oil‑and‑gas oversight agencies.
The Board of County Commissioners agreed to forward a letter expressing concerns about federal tax incentives (45Q) and the potential local impacts of carbon‑capture projects tied to those incentives.
Commissioners discussed the letter submitted by a local constituent and noted worries that broad 45Q policies could support large financial flows into projects without clear local benefit. During discussion commissioners and attendees raised technical concerns: how CO2 plumes move through subsurface aquifers, uncertainty about where injected CO2 might travel, the adequacy of state oversight for projects that cross private and state lands, and unanswered questions about long‑term monitoring.
Commissioners also asked that copies be sent to state legislators and state oil/gas oversight bodies to ensure local viewpoints are on record. The board made and seconded a motion to send the letter to federal representatives and state legislators; the motion carried (recorded as approved by the commission).