2019 Montana Legislature
Colstrip and central committee bills come to a head on the Senate floor
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Two hot-button bills get Senate approval after a flip-flop vote and heated debate.
Colstrip
Ever-changing Colstrip bill receives Senate approval, but concerns linger
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A controversial bill meant to give NorthWestern Energy scaled-back regulatory oversight at Colstrip is one big step closer to becoming law.
Montana Lowdown Podcast
MT Lowdown – Episodes 11 & 12: The debate over the “save Colstrip” bill
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In a special two-part Montana Lowdown podcast, Colstrip Republican Sen. Duane Ankney and Montana Environmental Information Center lobbyist Anne Hedges make their cases for and against one of the most significant bills to emerge during the 2019 Legislature.
Colstrip
At latest hearing for bill meant to salvage Colstrip, opponents warn of ‘wreckage of deregulation’
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Will SB 331 save the coal plant, or leave Montana electricity ratepayers on the hook for millions? Those who lived through previous deregulation efforts say the past provides a clue.
Colstrip
Despite staff concerns, PSC votes to support Colstrip deregulation bill
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An analysis found SB 331 could leave each ratepayer on the hook for hundreds of dollars, even if the coal-fired power plant closes early.
Colstrip
Lawmakers table controversial Colstrip proposal; new legislation to take its place
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A bill that would transfer the coal-fired power plant to NorthWestern Energy for $1 is getting replaced, but the new draft still restricts regulatory oversight.
Colstrip
As details emerge about Colstrip bill, lawmakers discuss benefits of selling plant to NorthWestern for $1
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The utility says it only wants 150 additional megawatts for a bargain, but why does the bill also guarantee rolled-back regulatory oversight?
Colstrip
Bill to sell Colstrip plant for $1 sparks more debate at the Montana Legislature
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NorthWestern could buy the coal-fired generating plant for a bargain, but critics claim the utility will pass along other costs to electricity customers — even if the plant shuts down early.