The state of Montana accepted an EPA planning grant -- administered by the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) -- to formulate an emissions reduction plan for the state.

Thanks to hundreds of public comments, and a proposal from the Electrify Montana coalition to establish a Smart Schools Fund, the State of Montana recently announced that school energy performance measures, called "Sustainable 21st Century Schools," will be a priority for the state's new Climate Action Plan. The school energy performance measures are only one of four priorities outlined in the plan. Looking ahead, the state will need to apply foe an EPA implementation grant by April 1st.

Montana has an historic opportunity to revitalize aging infrastructure in K-12 schools and reduce energy costs and carbon emissions, and we urge the DEQ to seek the maximum amount possible for Montana schools. Please complete the survey below, and add your own story and comments about why this funding is critical for Montana schools, as well as any need or success stories from your school district. A summary of stories and needs will be included in DEQ's grant application.

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This school survey is co-sponsored by the Electrify Montana Coalition SMART Schools Subcommittee, Northern Plains Resource Council, and the School Administrators of Montana. The information collected will be used solely for the purposes of supporting the case for a robust schools project as part of Montana’s Priority Climate Action Plan (PCAP) and Implementation Grant processes.