$24M Green Energy Funding for Butte’s Mansfield Building

TL/DR –

The Mike Mansfield Federal Building and Courthouse in Butte is set to receive $24 million in taxpayer funds from the Inflation Reduction Act for green energy improvements. Around $8 million of these funds will be spent on low-embodied carbon materials, while the remaining $16 million will be used for sustainable technologies aimed at reducing energy consumption by 40% and enabling the building to run on 100% electric power. The upgrades are scheduled to begin in late 2025 and be substantially completed by the summer of 2027.

Officials disclosed on Tuesday that the Mike Mansfield Federal Building and Courthouse in Butte will receive a $24 million investment for green energy upgrades through the Inflation Reduction Act. $8 million of the funding will be used for low-embodied carbon materials like concrete, glass, and steel, reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Investing in Sustainable Technologies

The remaining $16 million will fund sustainable technologies like energy-efficient mechanical systems. With potential options such as geothermal or air-source heat pumps, the goal is to cut energy use by 40%, eliminate operational greenhouse gases, and run the building on 100% electric power.

Upgrades Support Biden’s Investment in America Agenda

Robin Carnahan, administrator for the U.S. General Services Administration, together with other top officials, made the announcement. Carnahan praised the project, saying it reflected President Biden’s Investing in America agenda, driving innovation and sustainability whilst providing good jobs.

Transforming Federal Facilities

Carnahan continued that the Inflation Reduction Act was transforming federal facilities into models of clean energy innovation. She stated this was helping to drive future domestic manufacturing industries, reducing pollution, and saving taxpayer money.

Funding Supports Job Creation

U.S. Senator Jon Tester expressed his pride in securing the funding. He stated that this would create jobs replacing ageing infrastructure and modernising the Mansfield Federal Building.

Opposition to the Inflation Reduction Act

The Inflation Reduction Act, a $739 billion initiative, was passed by Democrats in August 2022 without Republican support. Republicans criticised the act for reckless spending, stating it fuelled inflation and increased taxes. They further argued that it funded unaccountable Green New Deal programs and subsidies.

Plans for the Mansfield Building

Construction on the Mansfield building projects is expected to start in late 2025 and finish by summer 2027.

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