Trump administration plans coal lease sales in Alabama Montana and Utah
The Trump administration has announced plans for competitive coal lease sales this year in Alabama, Montana, and Utah as part of a broad government effort to bolster domestic coal production. In Montana the Bureau of Land Management will hold a sale October 6th for 1,262 acres with an estimated 167.5 million tons of coal in Big Horn County. The sale could potentially extend the Spring Creek Mine’s life through 2051. Navajo Transitional Energy Company is the operator of that mine and applied for the lease.
Montana tests the accuracy and integrity of new election machines
Election officials ran an analysis on new election technology Wednesday at the State Capitol to see if it could be used in Montana elections. County officials from across Montana joined the Montana Secretary of State’s Office in conducting their analysis. The new machines from ES&S have already been certified by the federal government but Montana also independently verifies any new or updated technology.
Montana PSC votes not to rescind letter asking governor to consider suspending Molnar
The Montana Public Service Commission voted Wednesday not to rescind a letter sent to Governor Greg Gianforte asking him to suspend commission President Brad Molnar while an investigation into his professional conduct is ongoing. The letter was crafted by Commissioner Jennifer Fielder.
Montana U.S. senators react after Senate Dems block voice vote on U.S. attorneys
U.S. Senate Democrats blocked a request to confirm 10 U.S. attorneys Wednesday including Montana’s Kurt Alme who served in that role during President Donald Trump’s first term. He had already passed favorably through committee before a voice vote on the nominees was blocked on the Senate floor.
Montana GOP in court over blocking some of their own from party leadership
The Montana Republican Party refuted allegations Wednesday that it wrongly disenfranchised 9 Republican state senators at its June convention. GOP leadership told a Lewis and Clark County district court judge it had the right under the First Amendment to manage its affairs as it sees fit including censuring and expelling members.
More Headlines:
Officials expect most homeowners in Butte-Silver Bow County to pay less in property taxes for local government services this year under a new $168 million county budget commissioners enacted this week. State lawmakers lowered tax rates in tiers this past legislative session to help mitigate or offset higher appraisals.
Billings Logan International Airport is requesting more than $2.4 million from the city to buy two new Aircraft Rescue Fire-Fighting trucks for responding to emergencies such as plane crashes and malfunctions. Currently the airport operates with two 1,500-gallon trucks which have been in use since 2007 and they need to be replaced to comply with FAA regulations.
Montana is one of 46 states to receive a notice from the federal government to remove certain content from sex education curriculum. Specifically the Treasure State is being asked to take out topics that relate to gender ideology. Montana has nearly $540,000 in remaining funds from a grant which could be at risk of being lost if the state does not comply.
House Bill 203 enacted by the 2023 state legislature is taking full effect this year. In the tuition bill K through 12 schools are billed for last year’s out-of-district student attendance and is intended to fund public education for children living in the taxpayer’s district who choose to go to school in a different district.
The Montana Historical Society is celebrating the return of its public lecture series this month while also joining forces with the Montana 250th Commission to host a statewide virtual book club in anticipation of the United States’ 250th anniversary in 2026. The lecture series tonight and every Thursday evening in September at 6:30 in the Lewis and Lark Library.
