Groups appeal Badger-Two Medicine oil and gas lease decision
A Nov. 2 appeal represents the latest chapter in a decades-long saga over energy development in an area of the Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest that features prominently in Blackfeet cultural and spiritual traditions.
Latest ENERGY Reporting
NorthWestern pitches utility regulators on ‘reliability rider’
NorthWestern Energy is asking for a “reliability rider” that it describes as a “more efficient regulatory alternative” to a rate case process. It says other states have implemented similar cost-recovery mechanisms and describes it as part of the company’s effort to secure “reliable, safe energy service” for its customers. Critics of the proposal say the…
Environmental groups sue DEQ over coal mine expansion
In their July 26 lawsuit, the Montana Environmental Information Center and the Sierra Club argue that Westmoreland Rosebud Mining, LLC’s proposal to expand Rosebud Mine into the headwaters of Lee Coulee would exacerbate climate change impacts ranging from shrinking snowpacks and increasing wildfire activity to crop losses, forest die-offs and wildfire smoke-induced air quality declines.…
Company gets OK for $253 million wind farm, energy storage in central Montana
Last month, Stillwater County approved two phases of a wind farm that will incorporate large batteries for storing energy. Construction on the project is set to begin this summer and employ 175 workers.
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MORE ENERGY REPORTING
Judge strikes pre-approval statute that bestowed ‘exclusive and lucrative financial benefit only on NorthWestern’
A Missoula judge struck down a law that granted NorthWestern Energy reimbursement for new energy-generating assets from customers. In a May 6 opinion, District Court Judge Jason Marks deemed the pre-approval statute passed by the Montana Legislature in 2003 unconstitutional because it applies only to NorthWestern.
BLM releases 3,400 acres for oil and gas leasing in Montana and North Dakota
The reinstatement of lease auctions for oil and gas drew suspicion from industry groups and advocates, frustration from environmental groups.
NorthWestern Energy pulls preapproval application for natural gas plant
NorthWestern Energy, the South Dakota-based utility company that supplies power to approximately two-thirds of Montana’s residents, has decided to withdraw its application for PSC preapproval of a new natural gas plant in Laurel. The company will now build the plant on an accelerated timeline and seek to recoup its costs through the normal ratemaking process.
Ratepayers will get day in court over utility pre-approval
A district court judge has ruled that three Missoula residents and climate advocacy group 350Montana can proceed with their challenge to a 2003 state law that guarantees NorthWestern Energy can recoup costs from planned power-producing assets.
Federal oil and gas leasing program back in play in Montana
The federal government is moving forward with oil and gas leasing on 6,277 acres of Bureau of Land Management property in Montana following a judicial order directing the Department of the Interior to resume lease sales on federal lands.
Oil groups sue Biden over leasing pause
Eleven industry trade groups including the Montana Petroleum Association and the American Petroleum Institute filed a lawsuit this week challenging the Biden administration’s moratorium on oil and natural gas leasing on federal lands.
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MORE ENERGY REPORTING
TC Energy scraps Keystone XL pipeline
The 13-year saga of the Keystone XL pipeline came to a close yesterday when TC Energy, formerly TransCanada, announced that it is terminating the project.
What’s next for NorthWestern Energy?
Montana’s largest regulated utility submits an application to the PSC for a new natural gas plant and battery storage project.
The Session podcast
What we’re looking forward to in week 17 of the Montana Legislature: last-minute legislation and maneuvering.
Colstrip Sen. Duane Ankney revives part of NorthWestern Energy bill
The Senate Natural Resources Committee voted Friday to revive part of a controversial bill that sought to guarantee regulated utility monopolies like NorthWestern Energy a rate of return on new coal-fired power by weakening the Public Service Commission’s oversight.
GOP lawmakers put brakes on controversial energy bill
Senate Bill 379, which would have greased the wheels for more Colstrip investment by NorthWestern Energy at ratepayer expense, dies in committee.
The Session podcast
What we’re looking forward to in week 16 of the Montana Legislature: Separation of powers and the future of Colstrip.
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