Governor Gianforte Receives Energy Task Force Report

Recommendations aim to provide affordable and reliable energy for Montanans

Governor's Office

HELENA, Mont. - Governor Greg Gianforte today joined members of his Unleashing American-Made Energy Task Force at the Montana State Capitol to receive its final report of recommendations and strategies for Montana to unleash American-made energy.

"When I established this task force, I asked you to confront a question facing Montana and the entire West: how do we increase the supply of affordable, reliable energy to meet rising demand and protect the people who already depend on our energy system," Gov. Gianforte said. "Today, you have delivered a thoughtful, serious, and practical report that addresses that question and confirms that Montana is well-positioned to lead in unleashing American-made energy."

Gov. Gianforte (center), DEQ Director Nowakowski (right), and Commerce Director Bertoglio (left), convening a meeting of the Unleashing American-Made Energy Task Force in Helena

In September 2025, Gov. Gianforte created the task force through an executive order and charged the task force with providing short- and long-term recommendations and strategies for Montana to increase the supply of affordable and reliable energy options. The Energy Task Force created three subcommittees to tackle issues related to generation, growing demand, and transmission and markets.

In the final report of the Task Force, members provided 20 recommendations spanning 7 different themes including on utility regulation, energy leadership in Montana, infrastructure development, grid utilization, and consumer energy costs, among others. The Task Force embraced an all-of-the-above approach to energy, eyeing solutions that support a diverse energy portfolio for Montana. Members identified roadblocks that could be addressed to unlock further potential for the development of specific resources.

While the task force report will help guide lawmakers during the 2027 legislative session, several recommendations are already in motion. The governor's recent endorsement of the Western Transmission Expansion Coalition (WestTEC) study was an idea of the Energy Task Force. Along with the endorsement, Montana joined the Western Governor's Transmission Permitting Alignment and Coordination Task Force (PACT), giving Montana a voice in shaping where and how new transmission lines are developed.

The task force also suggested the state Energy Office ask to intervene in the NorthWestern Energy Large New Load Tariff case before the Public Service Commission. In June 2026, the governor announced the request for intervention stating it would help ensure Montana families and small businesses are protected as the state competes for new investment and jobs from large power users, such as data centers.

During the meeting, members of the task force highlighted the importance of a continued cooperative approach to tackling energy issues. The task force also emphasized the need for Montana to be strategic about planning for its energy future and maintaining its position as an energy exporter.

As a member of the task force, Montana Technological University Lance Energy Chair Bob Morris, added, "These recommendations are the result of thoughtful and challenging conversations by the members of the task force coupled with constructive engagement by the public and Montana's renewable energy organizations. I recognize the report is the start of the work in many regards, but I believe we have provided a robust roadmap to a strong energy future for Montana. I look forward to championing the work of this Task Force in the upcoming legislative session."

The final report of the governor's Unleashing American-Made Energy Task Force can be viewed here. A video recording of the governor's opening comments can be viewed here .

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