Montana Politics

A group of young Montanans are asking the state Supreme Court to overturn new laws that weaken the state’s ability to regulate planet warming emissions, and exclude some fossil fuel projects from environmental review. This filing comes a year after they won a landmark ruling over Montana's constitutional right to a "clean and healthful environment."

The Trump administration in November prioritized approval of a rare earth mineral mine at the headwaters of the Bitterroot River. But the project faces strong opposition from the public, local government and members of Montana's congressional delegation.

A district court judge has ordered the state to allow for nonbinary designations on state driver’s licenses. The order follows back-and-forth disagreements between state officials.

In Montana, abortion access has been at times illegal, legal, and stuck in limbo. Providers have weathered bombings and arson, advocates and opponents have battled it out in court, and citizens have passed a constitutional amendment affirming a woman's right to choose. One listener wants to know more about the history of reproductive rights in Montana. MTPR's Aaron Bolton reports on the underground networks, political violence and landmark court cases that got us to where we are today.

The 2026 general election is just about a year away. The races for Montana’s U.S. Senate and House seats are taking shape. Three Montana Democrats join the race to challenge Sen. Daines. The U.S. House races feature veterans, ranchers and political newcomers.

A new commission charged with evaluating the state’s judges met for the first time Wednesday. Its conception was part of a broader push by GOP lawmakers to further regulate the judicial branch.

Montana's largest utility this year struck deals to power three data centers — and counting. NorthWestern Energy has promised them at least twice the amount of electricity used to power all homes and businesses in the state. As data centers look to break ground in Montana, some worry ratepayers will have to subsidize their colossal power needs.

Most Montana homeowners this year are paying less in taxes than last year, according to the state. That’s due to phase one of a new property tax system.

The federal government shutdown has ended, but not the debate that started it. Republicans have promised a vote on health insurance subsidies that Democrats want to fund. Montana’s all-GOP congressional delegation says the subsidies need to end.

Country of origin labeling helps consumers know where the food they’re buying came from. It’s required for products such as fruits and vegetables, and proteins like seafood and chicken. Missing from that list since 2015 are pork and beef.