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HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 12
INTRODUCED BY J. READ, D. BEDEY, B. BROWN
A JOINT RESOLUTION OF THE SENATE AND THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MONTANA REQUESTING AN INTERIM STUDY TO ASSESS THE STATE'S ABILITY TO DEFEND ITS INFRASTRUCTURE, DEVELOP GUIDELINES FOR INFRASTRUCTURE PROTECTION, INVESTIGATE AND CONSIDER NEW ADVANCED TRANSMISSION TECHNOLOGIES THAT OFFER PERFORMANCE BENEFITS WHEN REPLACING AGED TRANSMISSION INFRASTRUCTURE, AND ANALYZE ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITIES.
A JOINT RESOLUTION OF THE SENATE AND THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MONTANA REQUESTING AN INTERIM STUDY TO ASSESS THE STATE'S ABILITY TO DEFEND ITS INFRASTRUCTURE, DEVELOP GUIDELINES FOR INFRASTRUCTURE PROTECTION, INVESTIGATE AND CONSIDER NEW ADVANCED TRANSMISSION TECHNOLOGIES THAT OFFER PERFORMANCE BENEFITS WHEN REPLACING AGED TRANSMISSION INFRASTRUCTURE, AND ANALYZE ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITIES.
WHEREAS, Montana's electric transmission grid serves the vital function of moving power from many different generating plants to customers and their electric loads; and
WHEREAS, the state has taken steps to ensure the reliability of the transmission grid, but the grid is not currently able to withstand major electromagnetic pulse, terrorism, or wildfire events; and
WHEREAS, failure of the transmission system could cause disruptions to the state's infrastructure, creating adverse impacts to the health, safety, and economy of the state; and
WHEREAS, Montana routinely experiences large wildfires that pose risks not only to homes and businesses but also to electrical transmission lines; and
WHEREAS, a better understanding of the grid can allow for future economic developments; and
WHEREAS, Montana's energy grid is an important component of the state's economy; and
WHEREAS, new and advanced replacement transmission facilities can be designed and deployed to enable a wide variety of new generating resources and can address technical issues that could impede or limit the development and operation of resources so states can achieve public policy goals; and
WHEREAS, crowded and aged utility corridors often allow little room for expansion and innovation.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE AND THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MONTANA:
That the Legislative Council be requested to designate an appropriate interim committee, pursuant to section 5-5-217, MCA, to assess the state's transmission infrastructure, including:
(1) its ability to withstand attacks such as electromagnetic pulse, terrorism, and wildfire;
(2) opportunities to develop transmission infrastructure to export energy; and
(3) the costs of maintenance and updates to the system.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the study:
(1) gather, analyze, and assess data related to the current condition of the state's infrastructure, with primary focus on the electrical transmission grid;
(2) identify key weaknesses in defending the state's infrastructure against natural and manmade threats;
(3) evaluate new advanced transmission technologies to determine whether they are best able to cost-effectively ensure the continued reliable delivery of electricity while providing greater capacity and enhanced efficiency;
(4) consider the ability of new advanced technologies to reduce the overall cost of energy delivery;
(5) analyze the costs and benefits of the appropriate use of cost-effective advanced electric transmission technologies in support of the continued, timely provision of affordable, reliable electricity to consumers;
(6) identify economic opportunities to upgrade the system to address bottlenecks or limitations and economic opportunities to export Montana energy resources;
(7) assess maintenance and upgrade costs to fully utilize transmission;
(8) assess the viability of installing black start diesel generators in more hydroelectric dams; and
(9) determine actionable steps the state can take to harden and protect the electrical transmission grid from electromagnetic pulse occurrences, terrorist attacks, and wildfires.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that all aspects of the study, including presentation and review requirements, be concluded prior to September 15, 2020.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the final results of the study, including any findings, conclusions, comments, or recommendations of the appropriate committee, be reported to the 67th Legislature.
- END -
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