'Save Colstrip' plan falls through on last day of Montana legislature

[TexasTowelie]

In the end, the 2019 Legislature’s major Colstrip plan was a stalled solution that couldn’t catch a ride.

Lawmakers ended the 87-day session Thursday afternoon with amendments drawn up to commit customers of NorthWestern Energy to covering debts associated with the utility’s potential purchase of Colstrip Power Plant generation and transmission lines.

Billed as a way to keep Colstrip Power Plant operating as the coal-fired generator’s other utility owners left, the proposal failed to pass both chambers of the Legislature. Afterward, Republican leaders lamented the loss.

“The Senate saw the merit of it and we pursued it. We did it in a transparent fashion. We heard from people that they had some concerns about the bill and we modified it on its way over to the House,” said Scott Sales, Senate president. “It’s a huge issue. I don’t think it’s going to go away. We need to pay attention to it and hopefully future generations, at least in the next legislature it will get the attention it deserves.”

Read more: https://billingsgazette.com/news/state-and-regional/save-colstrip-plan-falls-through-on-last-day-of-montana/article_d44e457f-d7a6-517f-bc47-e4415354c6e3.html

[2naSalit]

1. I think that means

the plants will all shut down. What about the coal mine part? I was wondering if this argument wasn't also intended to force western states to allow for a new sea port for the coal. Anyway, I think this shuts it all down but I'm not 100% on the mine. I just heard about the coal operations just south of there, in WY, not having a good day either. Maybe we cn get rid of coal faster than we thought. They've got plenty of sun and wind out there in that part of the world.

[Wellstone ruled]

2. Understand there is a Coal Haul Contract in place

for Thermo Coal to a Vancouver Load out as well as two Steel Plants in that region.

Should get down right interesting. If that is Westmorland Mining,expect a Bankruptcy to happen real quick.