MTPR

Anne Hedges

Colstrip Closure Will Bring Big Economic Impacts, Study Says

By • Jun 25, 2018
Power plant at Colstrip, MT.
Beth Saboe, MontanaPBS

A new study funded in part by the coal industry says shutting down of Colstrip’s two newer, larger coal-fired electricity generators in the next decade could have a huge impact statewide.

Colstrip’s two older units, 1 and 2, will shut down no later than July 2022 because of a Clean Air Act lawsuit settlement. But the future of the newer units, 3 and 4, remains uncertain.

Court Upholds Obama Methane Release Rule

By • Feb 23, 2018
Oil well.
(PD)

A U.S. District Court judge Thursday ordered the reinstatement of an oil and gas industry regulation that aims to lower harmful methane emissions. Environmental groups say it’s a win for states including Montana.

Environmental Groups File Suit Over Trump Methane Rules

By • Dec 19, 2017
Gavel.
(PD)

Government watchdog groups are challenging the Trump administration in court over its move to suspend methane emission rules for oil and gas production on federal lands.

Mining Regulator Nominee Draws Praise, Criticism In Montana

By • Oct 26, 2017
A Coal Mine in the Powder River basin.
U.S. Geological Survey

The nomination of a new regulator of surface mines in the United States is receiving praise from pro-coal groups in Montana but criticism from environmental groups in the state.

President Trump nominated Steve Gardner Thursday for the position of Director of the Office of Surface Mining, Reclamation and Enforcement.

Failed Legislation Means Uncertainty For Colstrip's Future

By Zachariah Bryan - UM Community News Service • May 3, 2017
Power plant at Colstrip, MT.
Beth Saboe, MontanaPBS

When Montana's 2017 Legislature adjourned on April 28, Sen. Duane Ankney, R-Colstrip, ended almost right where he began.

At the session's beginning, he helped draw up several bills that would help his community, which is facing the impending closure of two out of four units at its massive coal-fired electrical plant. By the time lawmakers left the Capitol, many of the bills – aimed at easing impacts on jobs, tax revenues and real estate – were dead.

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