Program Overview
DEQ currently offers grants and loan programs for alternative energy systems, alternative fuel transportation, and electric vehicle infrastructure. Additional tax credits and rebates recently passed by congress will roll out soon. Some of those grants and rebates will be administered by DEQ, while others will be administered federally.
Find more information on DEQ’s current programs by selecting alternative fuels and transportation or alternative energy loans below.
Programs and Funding Opportunities from DEQ
Congress enacted the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) and Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) providing once-in-a-generation investments into our nation’s infrastructure, manufacturing competitiveness, domestic energy production, and clean energy deployment. Numerous funding opportunities are available through these laws including grants, loans, tax credits, and rebates. DEQ’s Energy Bureau is implementing programs allocated to state energy offices, while other programs are implemented federally or through tax credits.
Programs are at varying stages of development within Federal agencies. Timelines for implementation vary by program. As guidance is developed, the Energy Bureau will provide updates for programs implemented by DEQ. This includes grid resiliency projects, Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grants, energy efficiency loans, electric vehicle charging infrastructure, low emission school bus grants, workforce development grants, building code development, and energy efficiency and electrification rebates.
New Funding Opportunity
The Montana Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) Energy Bureau is issuing a Request for Applications (RFA) for Montana public K–12 schools and local government entities that have not previously received a direct Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG). The process includes two application phases: first, eligible applicants must submit a Draft Application (DA) through email to Bonnie Rouse no later than 10:00 PM MST on Sunday, February 8, 2026. After submitting the DA, applicants must complete a Formal Application (FA) through the state’s online system, eMACS, by 2:00 PM MST on Friday, March 6, 2026. DEQ technical assistance is available to applicants during the FA development phase.
This funding opportunity is supported through the State of Montana’s participation in the U.S. Department of Energy’s Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) EECBG Program (Grant No. DE‑EE0000356) and follows all DOE requirements. DEQ has approximately $480,000 available for this round of funding, and each applicant may request up to $100,000. Awards will be reimbursed in phases as project tasks are completed and no cost share is required.
When: Jan 28, 2026 at 2pm Mountain Time
Topic: EECGB RFA
Join Via Audio: +1 206 337 9723 US (Seattle)
Webinar ID: 863 2440 3066
Passcode: 524306
FINANCIAL AND INCENTIVE CONTACTS
Program Support Specialist
Kristyn Fullerton (406) 444-6460
If you would like to stay up to date on the rollout of these programs, please sign up for our interested parties list below.
DEQ Programs
Additional Federal Programs and Opportunities
Tax Incentives
Tax credits are available for homeowners, commercial small businesses, local governments, Tribal governments, schools and Universities, utilities, electric cooperatives, and project developers.
Opportunities are available for energy efficiency projects, renewable energy and power generation, electric vehicles and charging infrastructure, manufacturing, transmission, project sitting, and reinvestment financing.
Funding through Other Agencies
Additional funding is available through the U.S. Department of Energy, U.S. Department of Agriculture, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and Montana Department of Health and Human Services.
Opportunities are available for homeowners, commercial small businesses, local governments, Tribal governments, schools and Universities, utilities, electric cooperatives, and project developers