Hydropower is America’s largest generator of renewable energy. Beyond clean, affordable, reliable and renewable energy, hydro also provides Montana ratepayers with flood control, irrigation and recreational opportunities.
The Montana Public Service Commission protects Montana ratepayers from utility monopolies by ensuring that regulations are applied and enforced.
As your Public Service commissioner, I am concerned about the impact that pending legislation could have on your electric rates, which is why I want to encourage Montanans to urge the governor to veto House Bill 411, written by Rep. Willis Curdy, D-Missoula.
If signed into law, this bill will saddle hydroelectric facilities with a large fee increase to help pay for the extermination of aquatic invasive species (AIS). While I strongly support efforts to prevent the spread of AIS and mitigate existing issues, I cannot see the justification for saddling hydroelectric facilities with the bill. I believe it is inevitable that this will adversely impact rates for families, businesses, schools and churches. As a former state legislator myself, I believe there are better ways for the Legislature to raise funds, such as having violators pay a higher fine and face stiff legal penalties.
The governor has the choice to sign this bill, not sign it and allow it to become law, or veto it. If you oppose unfair rate increases, you can call the governor’s office at (406) 444-3111 and tell him to veto House Bill 411.
Randy Pinocci
Public Service Commissioner Randall Pinocci (R-Dist. 1)
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