EPA repealing greenhouse gas limits on Montana power plant
The Environmental Protection Agency is considering a proposal to repeal greenhouse gas emissions standards for fossil fuel-fired power plants. It follows a recent decision by President Donald Trump granting Colstrip two years of relief from a previous rule targeting plants with high toxic emissions. It is part of a broader effort by the Trump administration to challenge the science surrounding greenhouse gases.
Dawson County Residents Petition to Create Zoning District Blocking Wind Projects
A major zoning effort is underway in Dawson County, where residents have filed a petition to create a new planning district that could block large-scale wind energy projects. The proposed Mount Antelope Park Planning and Zoning District would limit structure heights to under 200 feet—effectively prohibiting wind turbines like those planned for the Glendive Wind Project, which top out at 575 feet. Roughly 90 landowners—representing 70% of the affected area—signed the 200-page petition, which includes development standards and setback rules to protect homes, schools, and historical sites. Organizers say the effort isn’t anti-development, just a push for reasonable regulations. The district would span 270 square miles in eastern Montana, covering most of the Dawson County portion of the three-county wind project by NextEra Energy. The petition now heads to the Dawson County Clerk and Recorder’s Office for signature verification. If validated, it will go before the county commission for a final decision.
Montana Close To National Gas Price Average After Memorial Day
Gas prices have historically spiked as the summer months arrive with Memorial Day singling the start of the momentary surge as consumers hit the highways across the map for vacation travel. Now tariffs on imported crude oil and gasoline are expected to increase costs at the pump with some speculating that prices could jump 20 to 30 cents. The current average for a gallon of regular unleaded in the U.S. is $3.181. Montana is pretty close ranking 14th in the nation with an average price for a gallon of unleaded at $3.197 this Tuesday morning the day after Memorial Day.
Montana PSC Review Set for NorthWestern Energy Rate Increase Amid Controversy
NorthWestern Energy has clarified its position on a story, earlier run on the Northern News Network, emphasizing it cannot set its own rates as a regulated energy service provider. The company filed a request with the Montana Public Service Commission (PSC) in July 2024 to increase electric rates by an average of $17.07 per month, reflecting their 2023 costs and adjustments for 2024. The new rates took effect on May 23, nine months post-filing, as allowed by Montana law. Should the PSC’s final ruling result in lower rates than the recently implemented ones, customers will receive a rebate with interest on their utility bill. A hearing to fully present this case is scheduled for June 9. According to the Montana Free Press, as the rate increase stands, it may cost consumers on average an additional $204 annually.
Montana faces ‘100 deadliest days of summer’ as drivers hit the roads
The “100 deadliest days of summer” officially began on Memorial Day marking a period when road fatalities and injuries spike and the Montana Highway Patrol reminds motorists to prioritize safety on the highways. According to the National Road Safety Foundation this dangerous period is largely due to distracted driving speeding and drunk driving.
Best & Worst Places to Raise a Family in 2025 – WalletHub Study
With inflation leading some families to move to cities with a low cost of living today WalletHub released its report on 2025’s Best and Worst Places to Raise a Family. Billings ranks 51st while Missoula comes in at number 63. The personal finance website compared more than 180 cities across 45 key metrics ranging from housing affordability to school-system quality to the unemployment rate.
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Due to Governor Gianforte recently signing House Bill 207 into law the dates during which candidates may file for local elections have changed. Candidates who have already filed with the Cascade County Elections Office do not need to do anything. Those that have not may do so between today and June 11th. The previous dates during which candidates could file were April 17th through June 16th.
A Brownfield grant of $1 million could help fund major rehabilitation projects in Hamilton and other parts of the valley. The Ravalli County Economic Development Authority is one seven Montana recipients to be awarded a total of $8 million in funding to assist with projects that clean up and revitalize local lands.
A LendingTree study has looked at the average annual cost of raising a small child in each US state and ranked Montana 35th at $21,864. On average Montana parents spend $11,700 on childcare each year. According to a January 2024 report by the Montana Department of Labor and Industry because it lacks sufficient childcare options for the number of children the state of Montana is considered a childcare desert.
According to Bureau of Labor Statistics Visual Capitalist has mapped out the average salary of the entire U.S. and Montana’s hour salary is $32.73. That’s more than both South Dakota and Wyoming but less on average than North Dakota and Idaho. The highest paid workers are in Washington D.C. at $52.89 an hour while Mississippi at $28.25 has the lowest average hourly salary in the country.
United Way of Yellowstone County has a new leader. Andrew Konkel who has a track record working with United Way has been named President and CEO. Konkel replaces Kim Lewis who served as president and CEO since 2020 and is retiring. Lewis will remain as part of the leadership transition until early June.
