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Gianforte Hosts Energy Roundtable to Discuss “Unleashing American Energy”

Governor Seeks Solutions to Rising Energy Costs and Growing Demand in Montana

On Tuesday, Governor Greg Gianforte gathered a diverse group of energy stakeholders in Montana for a roundtable discussion aimed at addressing rising energy costs and planning for the state’s future energy needs. The event was prompted by growing concerns over electricity demand, the economic impact of high energy prices, and the need for strategic investment in Montana’s energy infrastructure.

Facing rapidly increasing electricity costs and a forecasted surge in energy demand, the governor emphasized the urgency of fostering local energy production. “No matter who you are, we all depend on energy—to warm our homes, run our businesses, and fuel our vehicles,” Gianforte said. “With this group, I know we can start a discussion to unleash American energy right here in Montana. The goal is to drive down costs, create more good-paying jobs, cut red tape, and deliver for the families and businesses and workers we all represent.”

Growing Demand and Energy Challenges

The roundtable discussion featured a range of participants, including energy suppliers, large consumers, utility companies, business investors, and local legislators. The main topic on the table was how Montana can balance the state’s growing energy demands with its resources and infrastructure. Gianforte highlighted a recent report from the Western Electricity Coordinating Council that projected a 20% increase in electricity demand across the western United States over the next decade. This forecast represents a significant acceleration, almost doubling what was previously expected and quadrupling the growth rate observed from 2013 to 2022.

Montana energy transmission lines

“Make no mistake, we’re headed for a huge increase in energy demand,” Gianforte warned. The governor expressed concern that the growth in energy demand could even exceed projections if the state doesn’t improve its energy supply. According to Gianforte, the need for additional energy production and infrastructure is urgent, particularly as demand increases in the coming years.

Montana’s Energy Future: Reliability and Investment

One of the key concerns raised during the discussion was the reliability of energy sources. As businesses like Montana Resources in Butte, which is the second-largest consumer of electricity in the state, rely on stable and affordable power to operate, the potential for power shortages poses a major threat. John Bannion, a representative from the Washington Companies, explained that Montana Resources has faced shutdowns in the past due to energy shortages. “We can stay open another 30 to 35 years with the copper reserves we have there. But in the last 40 years, the only thing that has shut us down, and it was for a three-year period, is the lack of affordable, reliable power,” Bannion said.

Bannion pointed out that while the company is “energy agnostic,” meaning it is open to various energy sources, it still requires a reliable base load—primarily relying on hydropower, coal, or natural gas. The uncertainty about future energy options in the state worries him and many other businesses in Montana. “If we don’t have options to look at a year from now, three years from now, five years from now, that’s the biggest threat to keeping the lights on and the doors open,” he added.

Policy and Regulatory Barriers

Another challenge discussed was the impact of federal regulations on energy production. Bannion and other participants highlighted the role of Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rules that limit pollution from fossil fuels, which have been contributing to higher energy costs. While these environmental rules are designed to protect public health, they are also seen by some as barriers to the development of more affordable and reliable energy sources in the state.

With these regulatory challenges in mind, Gianforte called for streamlined processes that would enable faster development of new energy resources. He emphasized that Montana’s energy potential, if harnessed effectively, could play a major role in meeting regional demand and reducing costs for consumers and businesses.

Energy as a Key Economic Driver

The discussion at the roundtable underscored the critical intersection between energy policy and economic development. Montana’s energy sector is an integral part of the state’s economy, and expanding energy production could create more jobs and attract new investments. Gianforte’s call to action for a more robust energy infrastructure highlighted the potential for Montana to become a leader in energy production, both in terms of meeting local demand and contributing to the broader regional energy grid.

The governor’s remarks reflected a broader vision of an energy-efficient and economically sustainable future for the state. However, achieving this vision will require a multi-faceted approach that includes addressing energy reliability, managing costs, reducing red tape, and ensuring that all Montanans have access to affordable energy.

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