Environment

The deadline to decide on whether grizzly bears will remain under federal protection has been pushed back by a year. The U.S.. Fish and Wildlife Service was originally court-ordered to make a decision by the end of January, but last Friday, a federal judge extended that deadline to the end of the year.

Montana’s largest utility is planning how it’s going to generate power and meet rising demand in the era of data centers. The company is now soliciting public feedback on that draft plan. MTPR’s Ellis Juhlin attended a recent meeting in Missoula and reports.

Montana’s largest utility has released a draft plan of how it will generate power for the next two decades. It’s soliciting public comments on that plan in meetings across the state.

Wetlands make up just 3% of total land in Montana. But new research finds their benefits have much larger ripple effects.

Researchers at the University of Montana found people’s attitudes about wolves are fairly neutral regardless of their political beliefs. But when participants answered questions about political beliefs and then wolves, attitudes changed in a big way.

To meet climate goals, some organizations use a mechanism called carbon offsets to counteract some of their emissions. Money raised by a voluntary carbon offset program at the University of Montana is being used to cap abandoned oil and gas wells.

A Montana district court ruled in favor of an environmental group that challenged the state's approval of new septic systems in the Gallatin Valley. The group argued that the state failed to assess cumulative impacts from the septic systems and how they may harm the river.

Permitting for fast-tracked mining project in the Bitterroot moves forward; Trump AI order could undercut state regulations; Health Department applies for federal recertification of Montana State Hospital.

Raising domestic livestock in wild places comes with challenges. Especially when ranching happens alongside predators like grizzly bears and wolves. New research sheds light on decades-old practice of monitoring livestock and deterring predators on horseback.

Libby residents may not have access to drinkable tap water for some time. Lincoln County health officials issued a boil water notice last week. President Trump has approved an emergency declaration that allows up to $5 million in federal funding to support the health and safety of Montanans living in the affected areas.