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One incumbent and two newcomers headed for PSC
Tony O’Donnell and James Brown on track to take PSC seats, and Jennifer Fielder leads Monica Tranel
Latest ENERGY Reporting
NorthWestern abandons Colstrip bid
NorthWestern Energy said Thursday it is withdrawing a bid to purchase an expanded share in the Colstrip coal power plant from Washington-based Puget Sound Energy, blaming the Washington state government and the Montana Public Service Commission for failing to support the acquisition.
Covering coal’s tracks?
A federal coal advisory council that frequently advocates expanding coal production has illegally operated in secret during the Trump administration, according to a federal lawsuit filed last week in Great Falls by the Western Organization of Resource Councils.
Jim Jensen stepping down from MEIC
During 35 years as executive director of the Montana Environmental Information Center, Jim Jensen fought — and won — some of the state’s most contentious battles. Now he’s retiring.
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MORE ENERGY REPORTING
Six candidates vie for three Public Service Commission seats
Voters in districts around Missoula, Billings and Bozeman will have the chance this fall to select new leadership for the Montana Public Service Commission, the regulatory body at the center of the state’s energy politics, and an agency that has been rocked over the past year by a series of scandals.
High court avoids ‘impermissible bias’ question in solar utility ruling
The Montana Supreme Court has upheld a ruling from last year in which a state District Court judge criticized the Montana Public Service Commission’s handling of a rate contract dispute between a solar power developer and NorthWestern Energy.
New climate plan calls for carbon neutrality by 2050
A council of 44 people appointed by Gov. Steve Bullock spent more than a year developing a climate plan. The council advanced more than 50 recommendations for the state to consider, 40 of which were unanimous.
Utility commission critiques NorthWestern power plan
Montana’s Public Service Commission issued formal comments June 30 on a long-term electricity supply plan developed by NorthWestern Energy, endorsing the company’s push to secure more generating capacity amid a wave of regional coal plant closures.
Tribal lawsuit adds to Keystone XL hurdles as feds await Supreme Court consideration
The lawsuit claims violations of the National Environmental Policy Act, the Administrative Procedures Act, and the government’s trust responsibilities to the tribes.
Montana OKs mail-in ballot initiative signatures
Previously, voters had to take their signed ballot petition to a notary public for verification.
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MORE ENERGY REPORTING
Court vacates 287 oil and gas leases in Montana over BLM failure to assess for groundwater and climate impacts
U.S. District Court Judge Brian Morris, of Great Falls, found the BLM leases violated the National Environmental Policy Act.
Candidates for governor — minus Gianforte — address agriculture via internet
The candidates faced similar questions about agricultural and rural issues, and expressed broad agreement, with a few notable exceptions.
Court blocks Keystone XL water crossings
On Thursday, Judge Brian Morris heard arguments in additional lawsuits seeking to halt pipeline construction.
NorthWestern: Colstrip operator Talen also wants a stake in Unit 4
“The benefits for NorthWestern Energy and its customers are still very compelling,” the company said.
Governor OKs Keystone XL construction despite coronavirus threat
“TC Energy holds a tremendous responsibility to appropriately manage or eliminate this risk,” said Bullock spokesperson Marissa Perry.
Coronavirus and price war batter Montana’s oil industry
“It’s kind of almost a perfect storm between what’s happening in the economy because of the coronavirus and how production numbers have climbed.”
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