Protesters are planning a rally against NorthWestern Energy’s new methane-fired plant near Laurel, which they’re calling the “Godzilla forcing its way into Yellowstone County.”
The Northern Plains Resource Council, a Montana conservation and agriculture group, is organizing the demonstration. It is scheduled for 10 a.m. on Saturday in Laurel at Riverside Park, 1425 US-212.
Protesters intend to provide information about legal controversies related to the plant and the potential financial and environmental damage that could come with it.
After the rally, they plan to float past the power plant on the Yellowstone River to bring attention to the possible impacts pollution from burning fossil fuels could have on recreation and quality of life in the area.
The 175-megawatt plant has been mired in legal troubles for years. NorthWestern’s air quality permit is now being disputed, with a pending decision from the Montana Supreme Court.
People are also reading…
Another lawsuit in Yellowstone County District Court challenges the validity of land-use regulations and growth-planning decisions made for the area around Laurel. It also alleges the county commission thwarted the public’s right to meaningful participation in the process prior to approving the plant.
NorthWestern started building the industrial power generation station on land that was zoned for agriculture near the Yellowstone River. The state’s largest public utility pushed ahead with the $310 million development and started producing power earlier this year.
Costs associated with the construction are part of NorthWestern’s latest request to raise rates.
On the heels of a 28% hike last year, the company is now asking the Montana Public Service Commission to allow an annual $193 million increase for electric and natural gas service
Critics of the proposed hike have cited concerns that approval could leave NorthWestern ratepayers on the hook for a rise in utility costs of up to 26%.
