Joint Statement From the Montana Renewable Energy Association and the Coalition for Community Solar Access
We are confounded by Governor Gianforte’s decision to veto SB 188, a bipartisan, pro-business bill that passed with overwhelming support from more than 100 lawmakers across party lines and that was supported by thousands of Montana families, businesses, and a broad coalition of stakeholder groups. The only stakeholders who opposed the bill were the monopoly utilities, which makes the decision even more worrisome.
We are further disappointed that the Governor’s office chose to disregard the industry’s direct commitments to responsible program implementation at the PSC. In a formal letter to the Public Service Commission, the developer community voluntarily outlined clear guardrails for the program—including support for cost containment and a pledge to advocate for solely economic considerations in future rulemakings. These proactive steps were designed specifically to address concerns about PSC authority and potential cost impacts.
SB 188 represented a meaningful step toward a more affordable, resilient, and diversified energy future for Montana. It would have expanded energy options for families, small businesses, and farmers across the state—especially in rural communities—and encourage private investment in homegrown power. The bill was fully aligned with the Governor’s own stated goals: advancing an all-of-the-above energy strategy, supporting American-made energy, making Montana attractive for private capital investment, and lowering costs for Montanans.
While we respect the Governor’s role in the legislative process, we believe this was a missed opportunity to put those principles into practice and allow the PSC to carry out the responsibilities they were elected to perform.
Montanans are looking for practical, local solutions to rising energy costs and growing demand. SB 188 would have delivered exactly that—supporting energy independence while giving communities the tools to produce and benefit from their own clean power. It also would have positioned Montana to build a more competitive and cost-effective grid that works for everyone.
We remain committed to that vision. And we’ll continue working with the Governor, Legislature, the Public Service Commission, local leaders, and the people of Montana to advance policies that create opportunity, reduce costs, and build a stronger energy future for all.