(Laurel – MPR) The Montana Supreme Court has heard opening arguments in a case that asks if state regulators should consider climate change in their decisions. The case centers on the permitting of a methane-fired power plant.
Plaintiffs Sierra Club and Montana Environmental Information Center say state regulators failed to evaluate the environmental consequences of the new Northwestern Energy power plant, claiming noise and industrial lighting from the plant, and its 18 combustion engines, will harm residents of Laurel who are already impacted by industrial projects in the area.
Northwestern Energy argues that environmental justice isn’t part of Montana law, with one of their lawyers telling the court the plant is relatively small compared to power plants in the nation, and saying it’s necessary for having a reliable energy grid.
