Larry Alheim

Key discussions during the meeting included updates on the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) rulemaking packages, six of which are now complete since the 2023 legislative session, with the nutrient standards package pending. The Western Montana Conservation Commission (WMCC), recently formed by combining two prior commissions, provided an update, noting the formation of an on-site wastewater treatment committee tasked with developing white papers on septic leachate, and announcing forthcoming grant programs funded by an EPA grant. Furthermore, a detailed briefing was provided on Volunteer Water Quality Monitoring Support and Coordination, highlighting that volunteers contribute 20-25% of the data submitted to the state's water quality database; discussions ensued regarding potential expansion to include lakes and stormwater monitoring, and incorporating Aquatic Invasive Species training. An update was also given by the Septic Issues and Strategies Subcommittee.

The meeting's primary goal was to discuss various updates and templates related to an adaptive management plan (AMP). Key discussion points included updates from the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) regarding Variance Rulemaking, the DEQ's response to an EPA Action Letter, and drafts for the AMP Rule and Circular. The agenda also covered the hiring status of the AMP Scientist, templates for the Monitoring Plan and Implementation Plan, and the relationship between the AMP and Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) process. Discussions further detailed the comparison between TMDL, Alternative Restoration Plan (ARP), Watershed Restoration Plan (WRP), and AMP documents.

The meeting commenced with housekeeping and roll call. A significant portion of the session involved an update from the Energy and Technology Interim Committee (ETIC) meeting held the previous day, covering their work plan, assignments, and alignment with this task force. The ETIC representatives emphasized the importance of coordination and collaboration, especially regarding forthcoming legislation in the next session. Following this, representatives from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) presented current initiatives that complement the task force's work, focusing on advancing energy supply and transmission assets to meet growing demand. Key DOE topics included the Speed to Power initiative, available resources through national labs for planning, and streamlining transmission permitting. The DOE representatives also detailed a Request for Information (RFI) seeking information on large-scale energy projects and targeted feedback on geographic areas and program refinement. Finally, a representative from the DOE's office of policy discussed data center engagement and AI's role in energy.

The Growing Demand Subcommittee meeting focused on preparations for the upcoming full task force meeting scheduled for March 19 in Helena. Key discussion centered on agenda item number two, which involved reviewing an extensive write-up concerning three core topics: the state government's role via executive action in commercial supply certainty and supply chain, proposals regarding regulatory certainty, and topics related to demand flexibility and backup generation. A significant portion of the discussion addressed PSC structure and governance reform, with the consensus being to allow parallel processes led by the Chamber and ETIC to conclude before taking a unified position. The group agreed to submit general principles or concerns from this subcommittee to the Commerce PSC committee for review, rather than generating a separate policy proposal at this time. The group also discussed the preferred format for documenting the subcommittee's work alongside Northwestern's specific comments and redline edits.

The meeting reaffirmed the task force's mission to provide recommendations for increasing the supply of affordable and reliable energy options for Montana, taking a comprehensive approach across generation, transmission, markets, and demand. Key discussion points included updates from the Markets and Transmission working group, which is focusing on the role of an energy authority, state participation in market evolution, and the importance of public-private partnerships. The Markets and Transmission group is also analyzing issues like the structure of the Public Service Commission (PSC), the need for expanded organized energy markets, regulatory policy clarity, and establishing clear interconnection processes for new large loads that safeguard existing customers. The Generation working group discussed discouraging market and regulatory conditions, the potential restructuring of the PSC to improve expertise and facilitate regional activities necessary for investments following coal retirement, and the exploration of nuclear energy options. Discussions also covered limited demand flexibility and load interruption as a method for resource adequacy.