Legislators to Hold Hearings on Energy Permitting Process

A Senate committee will hold two public hearings in the next week to learn more about the issues surrounding permits for Montana energy projects.

The Senate Energy and Telecommunications Committee plans to consider electrical transmission permitting at a hearing Jan. 29 at 3 p.m. in Room 317 of the State Capitol in Helena. The following Tuesday, Feb. 3, it will consider coal-fired generation permitting at the same time and in the same location.

"This is an extremely important issue, and we're aware that it can be contentious," said Sen. Jerry Black, R-Shelby and chair of the committee. "These informational hearings are an opportunity to hear ideas and recommendations for improving the permitting process."

Sen. Black has invited several experts to testify on the process required to get permits to construct energy projects. He also has invited members of the House Federal Relations, Energy, and Telecommunications Committee to attend and has set aside time for public comment.

Among the experts invited to give presentations are representatives of:

• the Public Service Commission
• the state Departments of Commerce and Environmental Quality
• NorthWestern Energy
• Southern Montana Electric Generation and Transmission Cooperative
• Montana Alberta Tie Ltd.
• Bison Engineering
• Great Northern Properties
• the Montana Environmental Information Center
• Citizens for Clean Energy

For more information, contact Sonja Nowakowski, committee staffer, at 406-444-3078.