Montana’s largest coal mine might be able to increase its coal production by 19 million tons. The federal Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement has prepared an environmental impact statement that allows for the expansion of the Spring Creek Mine near Decker. If approved the Navajo Transitional Energy Company will gain access to a one-to-two-year supply of federally owned coal.
Governor Greg Gianforte delivered his biennial state of the state address Monday evening. The second-term Republican told a joint session of the Legislature his administration will ensure the state of our state remains strong into the future by prioritizing tax cuts protecting the state’s youth and addressing the affordability crisis during his second term in office.
The House Judiciary Committee held a hearing Monday on proposed legislation to create a fund for the Montana Missing Indigenous Persons Task Force. It does not currently have a mechanism to raise money purchase equipment or maintain operational costs. The Montana Department of Justice Missing Persons Database currently lists 179 missing persons cases of which 48 involve Native people. Proponents say the bill will allow the force to better fulfill its mission of addressing the crisis.
The U.S. Supreme Court said Monday it won’t hear an appeal from oil and gas companies trying to block lawsuits seeking to hold the industry liable for billions of dollars in damage linked to climate change. It follows the Held versus the State decision from the Montana Supreme Court ruling a Montana Law Restricting Consideration of Climate Change in Environmental Reviews Violated Youth Plaintiffs’ Right to a Clean and Healthful Environment as laid out in Montana’s 1972 Constitution.
A new state education tax credit program will begin accepting donations from around Montana Wednesday. The Innovative Educational Tax Credit is a dollar-for-dollar match for donations made to public school systems up to $200,000 per year for individuals and corporations. With last year’s maximum of $5 million being met in 48 hours this year total that may be claimed statewide is $6 million.
Average gasoline prices in Montana have risen 1 cent per gallon in the last week but are 9.3 cents per gallon lower than a year ago. Montana is currently ranked 41st in the U.S. when it comes to the average price of gas. Colder weather has pushed diesel prices higher and could also impact gasoline prices if refiners face disruptions.
Members of the Corvallis Fire Department are working to fight the wildfires currently burning in the LA area. The department has assured the community on social media that Corvallis has enough resources to provide services in the absence of Engine 12 along with four members of the fire department.
The Belgrade School District and SMA Architecture and Design are working together to design a new elementary school. Right now there are two options for the master site plan for how the school would be laid out and to plan for future growth. The preliminary budget totals $20 million.
A new study from the law firm Carlson Law warns Montana residents to be on high alert for investment fraud in 2025.Montana residents lost a record $32.2 million in 2023 up 270.4% from $8.7 million in 2022. Montana ranks first in the nation with the average victim losing $370,164.
The U.S. National Science Foundation Game Maker Awards is challenging K through 12 students in Montana to design video games envisioning “Life in 2100” by January 31st. The initiative is designed to inspire the next generation of innovators by merging creativity STEM education and cutting-edge technology. Participants have the chance to win up to $8,500 per entry.