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69th Legislature - 2025 HJ 15
- 1 - Authorized Print Version – HJ 15
ENROLLED BILL
A JOINT RESOLUTION OF THE SENATE AND THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF
MONTANA SUPPORTING INCREASED TRANSMISSION CAPACITY IN MONTANA.
WHEREAS, Over the last 100 years, Montana's electrical grid has developed and evolved, but
additional electrical transmission infrastructure development is needed; and
WHEREAS, electric transmission infrastructure must be updated to keep pace with modern
technological developments to better serve the energy needs of the state; and
WHEREAS, lack of access to lower-cost power in Montana has already resulted in the loss of large
industrial employers; and
WHEREAS, increased electric transmission capacity within Montana and across state borders will
enable greater investments to foster a diversified, resilient, and affordable electric grid; and
WHEREAS, updating Montana's electric transmission infrastructure is essential to unlocking the state's
energy development potential, ensuring electric grid reliability, and addressing current constrictions that hinder
energy imports, exports, and economic growth; and
WHEREAS, the United States Department of Energy has estimated that every dollar invested into
improving the electric transmission system will produce between $1.60 and $1.80 in cost savings to the system;
and
WHEREAS, electric transmission projects are particularly beneficial to Montanans when they prioritize
the use of skilled Montana-based labor; and
WHEREAS, transmission infrastructure not only unlocks tremendous economic benefits but also
creates direct tax revenues for local and state governments; and
WHEREAS, in addition to building new transmission lines, reconductoring existing transmission lines
with modern wiring and grid-enhancing technologies can produce system benefits at lower upfront costs.
69th Legislature - 2025 HJ 15
- 2 - Authorized Print Version – HJ 15
ENROLLED BILL
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE AND THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF
THE STATE OF MONTANA:
That the Legislature understands that upgrading and expanding electric transmission infrastructure
both within Montana and on transmission pathways across state borders is essential to ensure affordable and
reliable electricity service in Montana. Affordable and reliable electricity service has been and will continue to be
fundamental for stable economic growth.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that copies of this resolution be sent to the Governor of Montana, the
Governors of North Dakota, South Dakota, Wyoming, and Idaho, members of the Montana Public Service
Commission, the Montana Rural Electric Cooperatives' Association, the United States Department of Energy,
the Bonneville Power Administration, NorthWestern Energy, Montana-Dakota Utilities Company, and members
of the Montana Congressional Delegation.
- END -
I hereby certify that the within bill,
HJ 15, originated in the House.
___________________________________________
Chief Clerk of the House
___________________________________________
Speaker of the House
Signed this _______________________________day
of____________________________________, 2025.
___________________________________________
President of the Senate
Signed this _______________________________day
of____________________________________, 2025.
HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 15
INTRODUCED BY G. KMETZ
A JOINT RESOLUTION OF THE SENATE AND THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF
MONTANA SUPPORTING INCREASED TRANSMISSION CAPACITY IN MONTANA.