Congressman Denny Rehberg

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Montana’s Congressman, Denny Rehberg, met with officials from REC Silicon to discuss fluctuating energy costs, and prohibitive business regulation and taxes.  REC Silicon, based in Norway, is the world’s largest dedicated producer of silicon materials used in solar power production, including a Butte facility that employs 300 people.

“Solar power plays a crucial role in an all-of-the-above energy policy and a more secure energy future,” said Rehberg a member of the House Energy and Water Appropriations Subcommittee.  “The jobs REC Silicon provides in Butte are vital to Montana’s economy, and now more than ever it’s important to work with the renewable energy industry both for the direct benefit of jobs and the more indirect benefit of cheaper, home-made energy for everyone.”

REC Silicon discussed with Rehberg their research into building a clean coal plant near Butte to help supply the facility with affordable energy.  The company is forecasting their energy costs to almost double over the course of a year, from $24 million to $42 million.  REC Silicon estimates the plant would create more than 700 temporary construction jobs, and up to 160 permanent jobs.

“We’re in D.C. trying to solve problems and create jobs,” said Lon Topaz, Energy Resource Manager for REC Silicon.  “Congressmen Rehberg understands the challenges we face when it comes to energy production and we appreciate this opportunity to sit down with him to discuss a clean coal plant in Butte.”