Public News Service

Montana land proposed for solar power

The Bureau of Land Management has proposed expanding the public land available for solar power production in 11 states, including Montana. The BLM's …

Hydrogen is a clean fuel that, when consumed in a fuel cell, produces only water. Hydrogen can be produced from a variety of domestic resources, such as natural gas, nuclear power, biomass and renewable power such as solar and wind, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. (Adobe Stock)

MT part of $1 billion hydrogen hub

The Biden administration has announced investments in a hydrogen hub to produce energy in the Northwest, including in Montana. Clean-energy …

One key issue in the case is whether Montana is responsible for emissions within the state and downstream emissions from fossil fuels extracted in the state and transported elsewhere, or whether it is responsible only for emissions within its territory. (Lesley Clark/POLITICO's E&E News)

Montana's Youth-Led Climate Case Could Set Precedent

Now in its fifth day, 16 kids are participating in a court trial with a lawsuit accusing Montana state agencies and the governor of compromising the …

An increase in average global temperatures above 1.5 degrees Celsius risks sea-level rise, extreme weather and the loss of species and habitats, as well as food scarcity and increasing poverty for millions of people worldwide, according to ClientEarth. (Adobe Stock)

Montana Rolls Back Environmental Protections

Montana's environmental advocates are criticizing Gov. Greg Gianforte for signing a bill they said will allow the state to ignore the impacts of …

The Biochar Research Network Act would have set up as many as 20 biochar research facilities across the country. (K.salo.85/Wikimedia Commons)

Biochar's Rise on Farms Could Help Capture More Carbon

By Lisa Held for Civil Eats. Broadcast version by Eric Tegethoff for Big Sky Connection, reporting for Civil Eats/Solutions Journalism/Public News …

There's a long history of mining across the Canadian province of British Columbia. (davidrh/Adobe Stock)

Tribes Say BC Mine Waste Threatens Water, Way of Life

Tribal representatives from across the Northwest are flying into Washington, D.C. this week to discuss how mine waste in British Columbia is …

Between 2010 and 2020, enough methane was vented on public lands to serve about 675,000 homes, according to the Bureau of Land Management. (FreezeFrames/Adobe Stock)

BLM Methane Flaring Limit Could Go Further, Group Says

The Biden administration has proposed a rule to limit methane flaring from oil and gas development on public lands. The rule would impose royalty …

In a recent report, Sierra Club scored utilities for their climate-friendly pledges only slightly better than in its 2021 report. (bilanol/Adobe Stock)

NorthWestern Energy Among Utilities with Long Roads to Cleaner Power

Utilities across the country are making climate pledges - but they're not necessarily backing them up, according to a new report. The Sierra Club …

The Inflation Reduction Act includes tax credits for renewable energy, such as wind turbines. (Yay Images/Adobe Stock)

Historic Climate Action Bill Heads to President Biden's Desk

Congress has passed legislation making the largest investment in clean energy in U.S. history. It has grassroots organizations like Northern Plains …

Kaitlyn Farrington, middle, and other athletes from Protect Our Winters have traveled to Washington, D.C., to talk about climate change. (Forest Woodward/POW)

Report: As Snow Decreases, Could 2022 Be Final Winter Olympics?

Viewers of the Winter Olympics that start this week should enjoy them while they can. A new study says the winter games will become much harder to …

The U.S. Energy Information Administration reports that energy costs across the nation rose from 2020 to 2021, resulting in higher utility fees for many families. (Adobe Stock)

Support Available for MT Residents Facing Housing Insecurity

As Montana heads deeper into winter, state officials want folks to know financial support is available for those facing housing insecurity during the …

Signers of a letter to NorthWestern Energy's chief executive want the company to move away from fossil fuels. (Winona Batemen)

Frustration Boils Over as MT Utility Doubles Down on Fossil Fuels

The clean-energy future needs to start now, according to some Montanans fighting to change the direction of the state's largest utility. Nearly 1,000…

Solar jobs could be an avenue for Montana workers in coal-dependent sectors. (anatoliy_gleb/Adobe Stock)

Upcoming Summit Explores Clean Future for MT Energy

HELENA, Mont. - An event coming up soon looks at the prospects for clean energy in Montana. The Energy Future Summit will be held virtually Oct. 1…

The oil and gas industry has more than 800 approved permits to drill in Montana, according to Wild Montana. (kat7213/Adobe Stock)

Calls for Reform as Oil, Gas Leasing on Public Lands Resumes

HELENA, Mont. -- Conservation groups in Montana are calling on the federal government to overhaul oil and gas leasing on public lands. President Joe …

The Bureau of Land Management is responsible for managing 8 million acres of land in Montana. (Bob Wick/BLM)

Varied Group of Backers Urge Stone-Manning's Approval to Head BLM

HELENA, Mont. - A diverse group of supporters is speaking up for Tracy Stone-Manning as the process to nominate her for director of the U.S. Bureau …

Conservation groups call a bill securing funding for public lands from the recreational marijuana program a victory for the 2021 legislative session. (Frank Jr/Adode Stock)

Report Grades MT Lawmakers on Conservation, Energy Votes

HELENA, Mont. - Conservation and clean-energy advocates found themselves playing defense on many occasions during Montana's 2021 legislative session…

C-PACE financing can be used to install renewable energy sources like solar panels on commercial buildings. (anatoliy_gleb/Adobe Stock)

MT Program Makes Building Efficiency Upgrades Affordable

HELENA, Mont. -- Montana lawmakers passed a measure this year which will make it easier for commercial building owners to upgrade aging …

Critics are concerned a bill allowing NorthWestern Energy to buy more Colstrip energy could pass on costs of more than $700 to each ratepayer annually. (Rachel Cernansky/Flickr)

MT Poll: Kill NorthWestern Bid to Buy More Coal-Fired Power

HELENA, Mont. - Most Montanans are opposed to a bill that would allow NorthWestern Energy to buy greater shares in units at the Colstrip power plant…

The Keystone XL pipeline was slated to carry 800,000 gallons of tar sands per day through northeastern Montana. (Alex/Adobe Stock)

Keystone XL Pipeline Axed; Win for MT Tribes, Environment

HELENA, Mont. - President Joe Biden made the Keystone XL Pipeline one of his top priorities on his first day in office, issuing an executive order to …

The coal ash ponds for retired Units 1 and 2 of Colstrip leak 400,000 gallons of contaminated water per day. (Western Organization of Resource Council)

Challenge to Colstrip Cleanup Plan Upsets MT Landowners

COLSTRIP, Mont. -- Many landowners in southeastern Montana are displeased with Talen Energy's decision to challenge a cleanup plan for Colstrip's …

The Keystone XL Pipeline is projected to carry about 830,000 barrels of crude per day through eastern Montana. (JP Photography/Adobe Stock)

Keystone XL Pipeline Called Threat to MT Communities

HELENA, Mont. -- Tribes and conservation groups are urging Montana to deny a key permit for the Keystone XL Pipeline. Under the Clean Water Act…

Documents from Puget Sound Energy show a section of Colstrip Unit 4 needs $20 million in repairs.(Rachel Cernansky/Spot Us)

Few Details in NorthWestern Energy Bid for Colstrip Unit

LIVINGSTON, Mont. - Some Montanans are concerned about the lack of transparency in a proposal that's expected to have a major impact on the state's …

A court order has invalidated two resource management plans in Montana that were approved while William Perry Pendley was acting director of the BLM. (Eric Coulter/BLM)

Tester's Bill Blocks DOJ from Appealing Pendley Ouster

HELENA, Mont. - Sen. Jon Tester - D-Mont. - has introduced a bill that would bar the Department of Justice from appealing a court order ousting …

William Pendley Perry was appointed in July 2020 to head the Bureau of Land Management, but the nomination was withdrawn in August after a groundswell of opposition materialized. (Flickr)

Federal Court Orders Pendley Out as Acting BLM Director

BILLINGS, Mont. -- The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) begins this week without a director. Acting on a lawsuit brought by Gov. Steve Bullock…

Montana's new climate-change report addresses the health impacts of global warming, including poor air quality from more wildfire smoke. (Adobe Stock)

MT Climate Plan Aims for Carbon Neutrality by 2050

MISSOULA, Mont. -- As wildfires rage across the West, a new report from the Montana Climate Solutions Council calls for a complete reduction in …

One in five Montana households spends well over the average of what it should on gas and electric bills. (Chris Thomas/Public News Service)

Report: Montanans Face a Disproportionate Energy Burden

HELENA, Mont. -- One in four U.S. households faces a high energy-cost burden, and it's a hardship that a new report finds disproportionately affects …

William Perry Pendley was formally nominated to be Bureau of Land Management director in June, but had his nomination pulled after a public outcry. (Bob Wick/BLM)

Sporting Community: Remove Pendley as BLM Head Immediately

HELENA, Mont. -- Western hunters, anglers and conservation groups are calling for the immediate removal of William Perry Pendley as head of the U.S…

Arrow Creek Backcountry Conservation Area is one of two areas to get this new designation in Montana. (Bureau of Land Management/Flickr)

Conservation Groups Pan BLM Resource Plan for Central MT

LEWISTOWN, Mont. - Conservation groups are disappointed in the Bureau of Land Management's resource plan for central Montana. The agency released …

Two-thirds of Montana public lands leased for oil and gas development are sitting idle. (Bob Wick/BLM)

Tester Bill Would End No-Bid Oil, Gas Leasing on Public Lands

HELENA, Mont. - What happens when an oil or gas lease on Bureau of Land Management land goes up for auction and no one bids on it? It isn't taken off …

An orphaned oil well cleanup fund could put employees of the fossil fuel industry back to work, mitigating the environmental damage at abandoned well sites. (tristanbnz/Adobe Stock)

COVID-19 Relief Proposals: Bail Out States, Workers – Not Oil Companies

HELENA, Mont. -- The Trump administration and Congress are considering relief for the fossil fuel industry, which has been hit hard by low demand …

The only waste disposal site permitted for radioactive material in Montana is in the eastern part of the state, near Glendive. (Northern Plains Resource Council)

MT Lawmakers Pause Radioactive Waste Limits, Draw Public Ire

HELENA, Mont. - Lawmakers could sideline Montana's radioactive waste disposal rules from oil and gas industries next week, despite public opposition…

The Keystone XL pipeline could hurt endangered species such as the pallid sturgeon and whooping crane. (JP Photography/Adobe Stock)

Keystone XL Ruling Blocks Streamlined Permit Process for Pipelines

HELENA, Mont. -- A federal judge in Montana has blocked construction of the Keystone XL pipeline, and his ruling could give the public more say in …

Scientists say it's important to curb emissions drastically by mid-century to avoid the worst effects of climate change. (Choat/Adobe Stock)

COVID-19 Provides Lessons on Climate Change Response

BOZEMAN, Mont. - The country's response to the new coronavirus pandemic could provide valuable insight on how to curb climate change's effects…

Big game hunting generates $4 million annually for central Montana. (Bob Wick/Bureau of Land Management)

Report: 'Unchecked' Energy Development Threatens MT Hunters' Future

LEWISTOWN, Mont. - Hunters are voicing concerns about the impact of unchecked energy development in the West. A new report from the National …

After years of debate, Canadian company TC Energy is moving forward with construction of the Keystone XL pipeline. (chesapeakeclimate/Flickr)

Keystone XL Construction Begins, Despite COVID-19 Concerns

BILLINGS, Mont. -- Construction of the Keystone XL pipeline is going forward, cutting a path through northeast Montana, but climate action groups and …

Well over three-quarters of Montana hunters are concerned with William Perry Pendley's job as acting BLM director, according to a new poll. (Bob Wick/Bureau of Land Management)

Poll: MT Hunters Disapprove of Acting BLM Director Pendley

HELENA, Mont. -- Montana hunters are wary of the direction of the Bureau of Land Management, according to a new poll. While nearly 60% of …

Most of the utilities that co-own the Colstrip, Mont., power plant say they will pull out of the facility within the next eight years. (Rachel Cernansky/Flickr)

MT Ratepayers Rebel Against Utility Fossil Fuel Investments

HELENA, Mont. – Montanans plan to rally in Helena against Northwestern Energy's 20-year plan to invest heavily in fossil fuels. The Public …

Montana has 25 electric cooperatives. One critic says co-op boards could be more representative of its members. (Guntherize/Adobe Stock)

Biggest Hurdle for MT Electric Co-Ops? Member Engagement

LIVINGSTON, Mont. – Nearly half of Montanans are members and owners of an electric cooperative, putting power into their hands in more ways …

William Perry Pendley represented an oil company attempting to drill in Montana's Badger-Two Medicine, in violation of environmental laws. (James Nash/U.S. Forest Service)

Acting BLM Director Called 'Clearly, Wildly Unqualified'

HELENA, Mont. – Concerns are swirling around William Perry Pendley's role as acting director of the Bureau of Land Management. Pendley is …

Whitefish, Mont., implemented its Climate Action Plan in 2018, providing a potential model for other rural towns. (-ted/Flickr)

MT Town Shows How to Frame Climate Change in Rural America

WHITEFISH, Mont. – Whitefish has become a model for how rural towns can adapt to the effects of climate change. The jumpstart for the …

This year, Missoula became the first city in Montana to commit to 100% clean energy. (USDA NRCS Montana/Flickr)

MT Clean Energy Fair This Weekend as Climate Fears Heat Up

BOZEMAN, Mont. – The 9th annual Montana Clean Energy Fair takes place in Bozeman this Saturday. The event features workshops on topics such …

The International Energy Agency says countries need to reduce carbon pollution by 74% before 2030 to avoid a catastrophic rise in global temperatures. (Snap Happy/Adobe Stock)

Trump Administration Finalizes Coal-Friendly Emissions Rule

HELENA, Mont. – The Trump administration has finalized a rule that will roll back an Obama-era regulation to cut emissions from the United …

Renewables surpassed coal in energy production in the United States for the first time in April. (David Gilder/Adobe Stock)

Conflict Intensifies Between Colstrip, Montana's Energy Future

HELENA, Mont. – The struggle is ramping up over the Colstrip coal-fired power plant and Montana's energy future. A headline-grabbing measure …

David Bernhardt, right, replaced former U.S. Rep. Ryan Zinke, R-Mont., left, as head of the Interior Department last month. (U.S. Dept. of the Interior/Flickr)

Ethics Probes Give Montanans Pause About Interior Sec. Bernhardt

HELENA, Mont. – Less than a month on the job and with investigations mounting, some Montanans are wondering if new Interior Secretary David …

A bill on Colstrip is being considered by the Montana House. (Tracy/Flickr)

Opposition Grows to Allowing MT Utility to Sidestep Oversight

HELENA, Mont. — Opposition is growing to a bill that would allow Northwestern Energy to buy a unit at Colstrip without oversight from the …

A new report says extensive cleanup of Colstrip's coal-ash ponds would create more than twice as many jobs as current cleanup proposals. (Northern Plains Resource Council)

Report: Colstrip Cleanup Would Create Jobs, Save Groundwater

HELENA, Mont. – A thorough cleanup of the Colstrip Power Plant's coal-ash ponds could provide a major boost for the local economy, according to …

Senate Bill 331 would allow NorthWestern Energy to pass on $75 million to Montana ratepayers if it buys more energy from Colstrip. (Tonyglen14/Flickr)

Opponents: Colstrip Bill Allows MT Utility to Skirt Regulation

HELENA, Mont. — A controversial bill that would allow NorthWestern Energy to sidestep regulations to buy more power from the Colstrip coal …

The Land and Water Conservation Fund has opened public access to places such as Glacier National Park. (daveynin/Flickr)

Popular Conservation Fund Nears Reauthorization in Congress

HELENA, Mont. - Congress is poised to pass a massive public-lands package that includes permanent reauthorization of the Land and Water Conservation …

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MT: Energy Policy