State of Montana Newsroom
Governor Gianforte Recognizes President Trump’s Support for Colstrip
EPA grants two-years of relief from a stringent Biden-era environmental rule
HELENA, Mont. – Governor Greg Gianforte today recognized a recent proclamation signed by President Donald J. Trump that grants Colstrip two-years of relief from a stringent Biden-era environmental rule aimed at shutting down certain coal-fired power plants.
“Thanks to President Trump and EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin, America’s coal-fired power plants can continue to support thousands of jobs and power our homes, schools, and businesses,” Gov. Gianforte. “With coal in our energy portfolio, we can stabilize our energy grid and reduce costs for consumers. In Montana, we’ll continue to support an all-of-the-above approach to energy to keep the lights on across the region.”
Gov. Gianforte and Sen. Daines touring the Rosebud Mine in Colstrip in May 2024
During the Biden administration, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) weaponized its rulemaking authority against coal-generated power, threatening the early retirement of Colstrip and other coal mines across the nation. With yesterday’s announcement from the EPA, Colstrip and other coal plants are no longer required to comply with the stringent Biden-era Mercury and Air Toxics Standards (MATS) rule for two years.
In 2023, the governor sent a letter to the EPA, raising concerns about the devasting impact of MATS on energy affordability and reliability in Montana. In the letter, the governor highlighted that the early retirement of Colstrip would cost Montana consumers an estimated $1.1 billion over the next 20 years.
Colstrip is one of nearly 50 plants identified by the EPA that qualify for the two-year exemption under a proclamation signed by President Trump on April 8. During that time, the identified plants are subject to a less stringent version of MATS.
According to the White House, coal makes up 16% of U.S. electricity generation.
Since taking office, Gov. Gianforte has promoted an “all-of-the-above” energy approach, to encourage American-made energy produced from coal, natural gas, wind, solar, and hydropower.
In the coming weeks, the governor will launch an Unleashing Energy Task Force. The task force will develop long-term solutions to ensure we have affordable, reliable energy now and well into the future.
You can view the governor’s June 2023 letter to the EPA here and President Trump’s recent proclamation here.
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