# Mont. Code Ann. § 76-15-904: 76-15-904 Coal bed methane protection account -- use

> Montana · Statutes · In force

URL: https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_MT_T76_C15_P9_S76-15-904

## Section

- **Citation:** Mont. Code Ann. § 76-15-904
- **Heading:** 76-15-904 Coal bed methane protection account -- use
- **Jurisdiction:** Montana
- **Kind:** Statutes
- **Status:** In force
- **Text as of:** August 14, 2026
- **Source:** Compiled text
- **Location:** MT Code / Title 76 / Chapter 15 / Part 9 / Section 76-15-904

## Text

76-15-904 . Coal bed methane protection account -- use. (1) There is a coal bed methane protection account in the state special revenue fund.

(2) All money paid into the account must be invested by the board of investments. Earnings from investments must be deposited in the account.

(3) Subject to the conditions of subsections (4) and (5), money deposited in the account must be used to compensate landowners and water right holders for damages attributable to coal bed methane development as provided in this part.

(4) Money deposited in the fund and earnings of the fund may not be expended until after June 30, 2005. For fiscal years beginning after June 30, 2005, principal and earnings may be expended only in the case of an emergency. For fiscal years beginning after June 30, 2011, principal and earnings in the account may be expended for any purpose authorized pursuant to this part.

(5) Subject to legislative fund transfers, money in the account must be appropriated to the department for use by conservation districts that have private landowners or water right holders who qualify for compensation as provided in 76-15-905 .

## Nearby sections

- [Mont. Code Ann. § 76-15-901 76-15-901 Short title](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_MT_T76_C15_P9_S76-15-901.md)
- [Mont. Code Ann. § 76-15-902 76-15-902 Legislative findings and declaration of purpose](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_MT_T76_C15_P9_S76-15-902.md)
- [Mont. Code Ann. § 76-15-903 76-15-903 Definitions](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_MT_T76_C15_P9_S76-15-903.md)
- [Mont. Code Ann. § 76-15-904 76-15-904 Coal bed methane protection account -- use](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_MT_T76_C15_P9_S76-15-904.md)
- [Mont. Code Ann. § 76-15-905 76-15-905 Coal bed methane protection program -- restrictions](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_MT_T76_C15_P9_S76-15-905.md)

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Source: Frix Law Library, https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_MT_T76_C15_P9_S76-15-904. Check the current official text before relying on it. Not legal advice.