A JOINT RESOLUTION OF THE SENATE AND THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MONTANA SUPPORTING ALL NECESSARY STEPS TO MOVE MONTANA INTO A HYDROGEN-BASED ECONOMY.

WHEREAS, the stability of the United States' economy and security is threatened by its dependence on foreign energy imports; and

WHEREAS, technological advances have moved hydrogen energy forward as the best nonpolluting, most plentiful energy carrier available to support all future energy needs; and

WHEREAS, billions of dollars are being spent by business, industry, states, and the federal government to move the nation into a hydrogen economy; and

WHEREAS, Montana is the only state in the nation with all the natural resources needed to make it a leader in the hydrogen energy area; and

WHEREAS, Montana could use its coal, gas, oil, carbon, wind, water, solar, biomass, and platinum resources to produce trillions of cubic feet of pollution-free hydrogen and highly sought after fuel cells; and

WHEREAS, Montana is in need of a statewide economic driver to spur its economy in ways that attract businesses, create quality jobs, fund infrastructure development, preserve its environment, and train the best hydrogen-trained workforce in the nation.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE AND THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MONTANA:

That the Montana Legislature support the implementation of a Montana hydrogen energy plan to:

(1) educate Montanans about the benefits of a hydrogen economy and promote a Montana hydrogen futures coalition;

(2) establish the Montana Hydrogen Futures Project as the key economic development focus of the state;

(3) institute necessary state policies and legislation to promote Montana Hydrogen Futures Project development and statewide involvement;

(4) support the establishment of a focal point of the hydrogen economy at the Montana Hydrogen Futures Park at the University of Montana-Missoula;

(5) support and encourage federal commitment and necessary matching funds to construct the Montana Hydrogen Futures Park and provide for development of the Montana energy products network to attract hydrogen-based business and industries to Montana;

(6) establish alliances with energy producers and promote resource identification by Montana communities by identifying all existing and potential federal, state, tribal, and community resources for inclusion in the Montana energy products network;

(7) develop a first-class education and training system that attracts and prepares high-quality hydrogen professionals for all levels of the hydrogen economy and replicate this system throughout the state;

(8) expand the Montana energy products network by creating the statewide micro enterprise system that establishes business opportunities, incentives, and state business development marketing; and

(9) pursue national prominence with other states and agencies in the supply of hydrogen to the national hydrogen distribution system.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Secretary of State send copies of this resolution to the Montana Congressional Delegation, the Governor, the Directors of the Departments of Agriculture, Commerce, Transportation, Environmental Quality, and Natural Resources and Conservation, the Superintendent of Public Instruction, the Commissioner of Higher Education, and the Public Service Commission.