Planning for the Future of Colstrip – Governor Steve Bullock

Today, I announced the creation of an advisory group, co-chaired by the Attorney General’s Office, tasked with developing a plan for addressing the economic impact following the closure of Colstrip Units 1 & 2.

The Colstrip Community Impact Advisory Group includes state and local officials, community leaders, labor, and economic development organizations. The group will help the community of Colstrip develop a community impact plan to guide disbursement of the $10 million in impact funds committed by Puget Sound Energy through the rate case settlement agreement recently approved by the Washington Utilities and Transportation Committee. I have also secured over $4.6 million in funding to assist the community of Colstrip with workforce planning and worker training.

Taking care of the workers and community of Colstrip continues to be a top priority for my administration and the state of Montana. This advisory group will work together to find Montana-made solutions to ensure the region is prepared to address the challenges and opportunities available for employees, businesses, and families as a result of a changing economy.

Developing a local plan for Colstrip is key. Montanans, not Washington D.C. or out-of-state corporations, should determine our energy and economic future. Last year I released my Energy Blueprint http://governor.mt.gov/Portals/16/docs/2016Misc/GovBullockEnergyBlueprint.pdf?ver=2016-06-21-094142-993×tamp=1466523720534 for the state’s energy future, which recognizes Montana will need both carbon-based and renewable energy sources in the coming decades. My administration has consistently been advocating for enhanced oil recovery technology and its use in carbon capture and sequestration.

I am committed to the people of Colstrip and helping them further develop a community impact plan for when Units 1 and 2 no longer operate. Done right, we can continue to drive economic growth in the community while creating and maintaining good-paying jobs.

Together, we will pass along a Montana to our children that is still the envy of the nation for quality of life and economic stability.

Sincerely,

STEVE BULLOCK
Governor