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Bozeman residents urge PSC action on green power program and stronger mining protections
Summary
Two Bozeman residents used the Montana PSC public‑comment period to press for faster implementation of a green power program tied to Northwestern Energy and to call for stronger, equitable mining rules and indigenous participation in permitting.
During the March 31 public‑comment period of the Montana Public Service Commission meeting, two callers from Bozeman urged the commission to accelerate renewable‑energy plans and to strengthen mining safeguards tied to the transition to clean power.
Sage Felker, a Montana State University student and Bozeman resident, said she admires Bozeman’s target of 100% clean electricity by 2030 and asked the commission to move the green power program forward. "There has not been progress towards filing on the side of the Public Service Commission," Felker said, adding that citizens should have the option to opt into the program and that the state constitution obligates officials to "maintain and improve the environment." The chair invited her to submit written comment as well.
Annneka Thompson, also from Bozeman, said a global transition to renewables will require more critical‑mineral extraction and urged that new mining initiatives be regulated to protect ecosystems, public health and indigenous communities. She cited Montana’s 1981 Hard Rock Mining Impact Act as an example and urged stronger, binding agreements that include independent environmental monitoring and public access to reports.
Both commenters asked the commission to consider the environmental and community impacts of energy and mining policy as Montana moves toward decarbonization. Commissioners did not take action on those requests during the meeting; they occurred in the public‑comment portion of the agenda.
The commission’s next regular meeting is April 7, 2026.
