NorthWestern Plans ‘Large Load’ Tariff for Montana Data Centers
According to filings with the Montana Public Service Commission, NorthWestern Energy plans to propose a “large load” tariff that would establish rules for interconnecting data centers in Montana. The regulated utility intends to serve at least three data centers that could collectively reach a load of about 2,250 megawatts by 2030.
NorthWestern currently owns approximately 1,065 megawatts of generation capacity in Montana and contracts for another 1,070 megawatts, according to its annual report filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission in February.
Mutiny at the Montana PSC: Commissioners Oust President Brad Molnar
Brad Molnar was removed as president of the Montana Public Service Commission on Tuesday in a 3–2 vote by the five-member panel. Molnar will remain on the commission but no longer holds a leadership role.
Vice President Jennifer Fielder has assumed the president’s duties until commissioners vote next Tuesday to select a permanent replacement.
Water at Montana State Prison Routinely Tested Positive for Coliform Bacteria
As the Montana State Prison replaces its entire water system due to recurring pipe failures, records from the state’s Safe Drinking Water Information System show the facility has routinely tested positive for coliform bacteria—an indicator of contamination from fecal matter.
The prison, which has faced numerous drinking water violations over the past three decades, has received seven separate violations since 2022.
Senate Agriculture Committee Advances Key Wildfire Bill
The Senate Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry Committee advanced the bipartisan, bicameral Fix Our Forests Act on Tuesday. Co-sponsored by Senator Tim Sheehy, the bill directs federal agencies to expand the use of livestock grazing to reduce the risk of catastrophic wildfires across the West.
The legislation now heads to the full Senate for consideration. If approved, it will move to the President’s desk for signature before the 2026 wildfire season.
Federal Shutdown Halts Most Agencies, But Fossil Fuel Projects Continue in the Region
The U.S. government shutdown has furloughed more than 700,000 federal employees; however, those involved in fossil fuel permitting and deregulation continue to work.
The Bureau of Land Management and the Environmental Protection Agency are still processing oil, gas, and mining projects and adjusting pollution regulations. Recent actions include holding a coal lease sale in Montana’s Powder River Basin.
More Headlines
Manufacturing Outlook:
Industry leaders gathered in Kalispell on Tuesday to discuss the current and future state of manufacturing in Montana. Speakers highlighted ongoing challenges including labor shortages, access to capital, and economic growth.
Flathead County leads the state with 903 of Montana’s 5,586 manufacturers, followed by Gallatin County with 871, Missoula County with 760, and Yellowstone County with 652.
Skyview High School Teacher Reassigned:
A Billings Skyview High School teacher has been reassigned following an apparent investigation into a social media post referencing slain conservative activist Charlie Kirk.
In a statement Tuesday, the district said the decision aimed to “ensure the safety and stability of the learning environment for students and staff” and was not a disciplinary action. The district did not disclose the teacher’s new position.
Floodplain Maps Updated for Missoula County:
Newly proposed maps released by federal and state officials could change floodplain designations for hundreds of properties in Missoula County—the first such update in 50 years.
Some properties will be added to the floodplain, while others will be removed. Homes within designated flood zones are required by federal law to carry flood insurance, and new construction in these areas often faces additional safety regulations.
Drug Take-Back Day:
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Montana is partnering with the Drug Enforcement Administration for a statewide event Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The goal is to safely dispose of expired or unused medications to prevent misuse, abuse, or accidental ingestion.
Data Breach Affects Blue Cross Blue Shield of Montana Customers:
The private medical information of more than 462,000 Montanans may have been exposed in a data breach involving a third-party vendor used by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Montana.
According to a report submitted to the State Auditor’s Office, the breach occurred between October 2024 and January 2025.
