Montana Senate President Scott Sales, R-Bozeman, talks about his 16 years in the Legislature and his candidacy for secretary of state.
Wildfire
Living with Fire: Part 1: The evolution of wildfire suppression
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An examination of how a handful of events and policies shaped the wildfire narrative over the last century.
Energy
Citing newspaper op-eds, judge finds Montana utility regulators biased against solar development
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Public Service Commissioner guest columns critical of renewable energy create a due process violation in solar rate case, judge rules
Keystone XL
Appeals court reverses Keystone XL injunction
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The U.S. 9th Circuit Court of Appeals threw out a Montana federal judge’s injunction blocking construction of the Keystone XL oil pipeline on the basis that new executive orders from the Trump administration made the injunction moot.
Environment
Crow leaders seek new protections for the Crazy Mountains in forest plan revision
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Management of the Crazy Mountains is up for revision. Crow leaders want a say.
Colstrip
Embattled Colstrip bill gets a messaging makeover. It’s all about transmission, now.
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SB 331’s true intent is to secure access to the 500-kilovolt “backbone” emanating from Colstrip, some supporters say. Transmission lines are valuable to companies like NorthWestern, due in part to how utilities make money.
Colstrip
Controversial Colstrip bill undergoes more changes, muddling its intent
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A bill purportedly meant to save the coal-fired power plant by making it easier for NorthWestern Energy to take on a bigger ownership share in Colstrip generation continues to evolve. But some lawmakers and lobbyists say they’re no longer certain what the proposed legislation actually does.
Podcast
MT Lowdown Podcast – Episode 13: Exploring the ‘Richest Hill’
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Copper made Butte the “Richest Hill,” and it’s also the reason the historic city is home to the nation’s largest Superfund site. Hosted by reporter Nora Saks and set in what was once the copper mining capital of the world, Montana Public Radio’s “Richest Hill” podcast explores Butte’s history, culture, and environmental calamity.
Colstrip
Ever-changing Colstrip bill receives Senate approval, but concerns linger
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A controversial bill meant to give NorthWestern Energy scaled-back regulatory oversight at Colstrip is one big step closer to becoming law.
