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Committee hears competing views on placing natural-gas pipelines in public rights of way under HB122
Summary
House Bill 122 would clarify that natural-gas pipelines are utility facilities that may be located in public rights of way; proponents said it aligns gas with electric utilities and reduces duplicative local franchise requirements, while opponents raised safety and permitting concerns and asked for additional safeguards.
The House Energy, Technology and Federal Relations Committee held a hearing on House Bill 122 on Oct. 12, 2025. The bill would affirm that natural-gas pipelines are utility facilities that may be located or constructed in public rights of way similar to electric and telephone lines.
Sponsor Representative Larry Brewster described the bill as "very small" and said it "adds using natural gas in distribution right of ways." He told the committee he expected to offer an amendment to remove broadband from the bill after stakeholders raised concerns.
Opponents included the Montana League of Cities and Towns and environmental groups. Jennifer Olson, government affairs director for the Montana League of Cities and Towns, testified in opposition and said the…
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