Gov. Gianforte Announces Montana Joins Western Transmission Expansion Coalition

HELENA, Mont. – Governor Greg Gianforte today announced Montana joined the Western Transmission Expansion Coalition (WestTEC), an agreement established with eleven states in the western United States to analyze transmission needs. 

“With increasing demand on our energy grid, we must meet the challenge head-on to ensure affordable, reliable power for Montanans now and into the future,” Gov. Gianforte said. “Building on the ongoing work of our Energy Task Force and investments to increase the supply of affordable and reliable energy, Montana is proud to join this regional agreement to improve transmission.” 

Joining the governors of Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Nevada, North Dakota, Utah, Oregon, Washington, New Mexico, and Wyoming, Gov. Gianforte signed a joint statement of agreement endorsing the WestTEC coalition and establishing the Permitting Alignment and Coordination Task Force (PACT), a regional collaboration that will strengthen the region’s electric grid.   

WestTEC brings together over 70 stakeholders, including utility companies and state and Tribal governments. Through PACT, participating states will address ways to expedite transmission permitting in the West. 

According to a report from the Western Electricity Coordinating Council, the demand for electricity across the west is projected to grow by 20 percent in the next ten years. The same report projected a 9 percent increase in demand only three years ago.  

Through Gov. Gianforte’s Energy Task Force, co-chaired by Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) Director Sonja Nowakowski, members are compiling recommendations to increase the supply of affordable, reliable energy while providing Montana energy producers and consumers with greater certainty in the market, stable delivery systems for electricity, efficient permitting and regulatory systems, and an end to frivolous litigation designed to delay or thwart responsible, environmentally-sound energy development. 

“Governor Gianforte’s commitment to the WestTEC effort is an important step forward for Montana,” said Task Force Co-Chair and Montana DEQ Director Nowakowski. “The Governor’s Energy Task Force has identified a need for more regional coordination to address transmission development. This PACT shows the state is committed to being at the table for this important work.” 

The WestTEC agreement can be viewed here.

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