The Colstrip power plant and Spring Creek Mine secured renewed prospects as the Trump administration moved to bolster the coal industry. This effort involved reversing pollution regulations from former administrations and increasing federal coal access. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency initiated a review of the Mercury and Air Toxics Standards (MATS), which the Biden administration adopted to curtail emissions from coal-fired power production. This review coincided with the Interior Department’s approval for expanding Montana’s largest coal mine.
Montana Republican officials celebrated the developments, while environmental groups voiced concerns over potential health impacts. Former U.S. Congressman Lee Zeldin, now heading the EPA, called the regulatory rollback a significant step in U.S. deregulation history. The rollback actions also addressed tailpipe emissions and a previous EPA ruling on greenhouse gases.
Zeldin emphasized the importance of “commonsense regulation” to revitalize energy production, opposing the previous administration’s stringent measures. Anne Hedges of the Montana Environmental Information Center criticized this approach, accusing Zeldin of prioritizing polluting industries over public health, particularly affecting vulnerable populations. Hedges argued that scientific evidence consistently shows pollutants like mercury and lead pose severe health risks.
The Colstrip plant, a significant electricity and carbon dioxide producer, faces challenges under the MATS rule. NorthWestern Energy and Talen Montana, in a Supreme Court appeal, claimed compliance costs could reach up to $600 million, arguing the rule places an “untenable burden” on Colstrip’s operations.
Montana’s environmental authority aligns with industry groups seeking a rule reversal. EPA must justify any regulatory changes, a process requiring adherence to legal standards. NorthWestern Energy plans to expand its Colstrip ownership in 2026, increasing its stake in Montana’s energy sector.
Simultaneously, the EPA explored a Clean Air Act provision to temporarily exempt plants like Colstrip from compliance. The announcement follows the Interior Department’s approval to expand Spring Creek Mine, granting access to 40 million tons of coal and extending the mine’s life by 16 years. The expansion aims to enhance energy security, reversing climate policies from the previous administration.
Former North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum, now at the Interior Department, endorsed the expansion, highlighting its role in American energy independence. The Trump administration’s energy agenda aligns with Montana Governor Greg Gianforte’s calls to unleash energy production through regulatory adjustments.
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