Concerned Citizens Montana Question the Viability of MSTI
HELENA, Mont., Feb. 2, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Concerned Citizens Montana (CCM), a statewide advocacy group, questions the viability of NorthWestern Energy's Mountain States Transmission Intertie (MSTI) project.
CCM noted several statements made by NorthWestern Energy's John Fitzpatrick during the legislative hearings on HB 232 (a bill to limit local government consultation rights with Montana state agencies), which bring into question MSTI's likelihood of success. Fitzpatrick stated the bill would not likely to have any effect on MSTI because the project "is so mired down in regulatory snafus and legal challenges."
In the same hearing, Jefferson County Commissioner Leonard Wortman echoed what many are saying, "NorthWestern Energy is pushing for the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) Right-Of-Way permit so they can market the permit to others interested in building the line." NorthWestern Energy spokesman Dan Rapkoch, at a Whitehall community forum in August 2010, confirmed the EIS Right-Of-Way permit, once approved, can be sold as an asset for up to 10 years.
A week earlier, Mr. John Alke, lobbyist for Montana Alberta Tie Line (MATL) and Montana-Dakota Utilities Company, in testimony as a proponent of HB 198 on eminent domain on January 12, 2011, said "I doubt MSTI will ever be built."
CCM states the increasing number of "insider" comments give life to persistent rumors that MSTI is unlikely to be constructed without a major influx of federal dollars like the $161 million flowing to MATL.
Another major development impacting MSTI's need is California's recent renewable energy rule that was issued on Jan. 13, 2011 by their Public Utility Commission. California utilities must now purchase 75 percent of their renewable energy credits from in-state sources.
Concerned Citizens Montana, a statewide advocacy group, seeks to maintain Montana's unique and important lifestyle and was legally incorporated in September 2010. The organization serves as a clearinghouse for public information, and unites citizen efforts and resources to ensure NorthWestern Energy, state and federal agencies, and elected officials are representing sound energy policies that are in the best interest of Montanans. CCM has built a statewide network of supporters who represent diverse interests, including ranching, small business, tourism, education, natural resources, government, recreation, real estate, public health and safety, and energy rates.
Contact: Marie Garrison, Executive Director |
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Concerned Citizens Montana |
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406.491.0342 |
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406.782.5164 |
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SOURCE Concerned Citizens Montana
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