The energy industry is making an effort toward clean energy solutions but that can put rural electric cooperatives in a tricky position. Gary Weins, CEO of the Montana Electric Cooperatives Association, recently explained on Voices of Montana.
MECA Expands Support for State Management of Sage Grouse
(Nashville, TN) – At the annual meeting of the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association this week in Nashville, the Montana Electric Co-operative Association (MECA) brought a Resolution to urge the NRECA to support allowing state management of the Sage Grouse, particularly if the species is listed under the Endangered Species Act....
Senator Tester Comments On Rep. Rosendale’s No-Vote For Ukraine Assistance
Last week Representative Matt Rosendale was one of three Republicans in the House to vote against the U.S. sending help to Ukraine he said unless the security issues at the Mexican border were taken care of. Senator Jon Tester talked about the vote and what he hopes will get done in a bipartisan way concerning the southern border.
Voices of Montana Live From the NRECA 2022 PowerXchange Part 1
Thousands of rural electric cooperatives are meeting in Nashville this week to discuss the current challenges and opportunities that lie ahead, and it’s a Montanan leading them. Join us for the discussion with Montana Electric Cooperatives’ Association CEO Gary Wiens, Wyoming Rural Electric Cooperatives’ Association E...
2022 Off To A Dry Start For Precipitation
According to the Natural Resources Conservation Service, January precipitation was below normal for most of Montana and February was worse in many river basins. Basins currently lacking snow will need well above normal precipitation over the next couple of months to meet their typical snowpack peaks. A full report of conditions as of March 1st...
“Coop”eration May Be the Key to Securing Infrastructure Funding
Montana electric coops are eagerly awaiting the federal government rules that will determine numerous funding programs through the infrastructure bill. According to Jim Matheson, CEO of the National Rural Electric Cooperatives Association (NRECA), there are numerous programs being developed that will be of great benefit to the coops: ...
Montana Ag Department Spreading Awareness On Mental Health Support
The Montana Department of Agriculture has a new program to support farmers and ranchers mental health. Director Christy Clark talked about Beyond the Weather recently on Voices of Montana to reduce the stigma around mental health and enhance their quality of life.
Governor Gianforte Holds Roundtable Meeting In Missoula
A roundtable of local law enforcement officers and other officials was convened last week by Governor Greg Gianforte in Missoula to listen to them about their drug enforcement problem and to let them know the administration was backing them up.
District Judge Denies Challenge To Wolf Hunting Regulations
Lewis and Clark District Court Judge Michael McMahon has denied the request for a preliminary injunction over portions of Montana’s wolf hunting and trapping regulations. Wolves of the Rockies and Trap Free Montana alleged in a lawsuit that changes made by Fish Wildlife and Parks in this year’s wolf regulations violated their right to pa...
Rural Electric CO-OP Leaders Meet In Nashville
The National Rural Electric Cooperative Associations’ annual meeting is taking the place in Nashville Tennessee where the Montana’s electric cooperative leaders can make valuable professional connections with others share best practices discuss today’s critical issues and set practical agendas for moving the industry forward. North...