Explore

Governor Gianforte Appoints Larry Flynn as New Montana DOT Director

Governor Gianforte Appoints Larry Flynn as New Montana DOT Director

Governor Greg Gianforte has announced the appointment of Larry Flynn as the new Director of the Montana Department of Transportation (MDT). Flynn will succeed Chris Dorrington, who is stepping down from the position. Flynn brings over three decades of public service experience within MDT to his new role. Most recently, he served as MDT’s Deputy Director since 2023, where he collaborated with Dorrington in overseeing the department's more than 2,000 employees and managing an annual budget of $1 billion. Prior to his role as Deputy Director, Flynn held the position of Chief Financial Officer and Administration Division Administrator for 16 years, during which he was responsible for the agency's accounting, budgeting, and other administrative functions. Governor Gianforte expressed confidence in Flynn's leadership, citing his extensive experience and dedication to public service as crucial for the department's continued progress.

Montana Files Appeal to Overturn Bison Grazing Injunction on Federal Lands

Montana Files Appeal to Overturn Bison Grazing Injunction on Federal Lands

On November 2, Governor Greg Gianforte (R-MT) announced that the state of Montana has filed an opening brief with the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit. The state is seeking to reverse a district court's preliminary injunction that currently allows the American Prairie Foundation (APF) to continue grazing its bison on three federal grazing allotments in Phillips County. This action is part of an ongoing dispute regarding the use of federal lands for 'rewilded' conservation bison versus traditional livestock grazing. The American Prairie Foundation aims to establish a herd of 5,000 bison on 3.2 million acres of public and private land, believing this size is necessary for a healthy prairie ecosystem. The dispute escalated after the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) initially granted APF seven grazing allotments in July 2022. Governor Gianforte's administration argued that the BLM exceeded its authority and failed to assess economic impacts on local communities and concerns over bison containment. In...

State Agencies to Pilot AI-Assisted Permitting to Enhance Efficiency and Reduce Delays

State Agencies to Pilot AI-Assisted Permitting to Enhance Efficiency and Reduce Delays

The American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC) has proposed the 'AI-Assisted Permitting and Application Review Act,' a model policy designed to enable state agencies to use artificial intelligence (AI) tools for reviewing permits, licenses, and regulatory applications. The Act aims to improve the speed, consistency, and accuracy of state processes, thereby lowering business costs, attracting investment, and managing increasing workloads without proportional staff growth. It establishes a pilot program for agencies to implement AI-assisted review platforms. These platforms can check applications for completeness, flag compliance issues, summarize submissions, and prepare draft review summaries. Crucially, the Act mandates human oversight, ensuring that AI tools never make final decisions; all approvals, denials, or conditions must be made by a qualified human reviewer. The policy also sets minimum standards for data security, U.S. data residency, vendor experience, and platform design, while requiring pub...

Montana Childcare Advocates Propose Legislative Changes Inspired by New Mexico's Universal Program

Montana Childcare Advocates Propose Legislative Changes Inspired by New Mexico's Universal Program

Childcare advocates in Montana are planning legislative proposals for the upcoming session, drawing inspiration from New Mexico's model of no-cost universal childcare. This initiative stems from a recent discussion at the University of Montana, where New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham shared insights into her state's successful early childhood programs. While Montana's advocates acknowledge that universal free childcare is a long-term goal, they aim to strengthen existing programs and lay groundwork for future expansion. Key areas of focus include addressing the economic impact of childcare on families and its importance for the workforce. Montana has already made strides with its Early Childhood Account, seeded with $10 million for initiatives like business expansion grants and workforce training, and expanded early literacy and numeracy programs in schools. However, advocates like Caitlin Jensen of Zero to Five Montana and Grace Decker of Montana Advocates for Children emphasize the need for more...

Senator Steve Daines Sends Message Honoring Veterans at Bozeman Ceremony

Senator Steve Daines Sends Message Honoring Veterans at Bozeman Ceremony

Senator Steve Daines, R-Mont., sent a message that was read aloud at a Veterans Day ceremony in Bozeman, Montana. The event honored U.S. service members, particularly Vietnam War veterans, and reflected on the improved respect they receive today compared to their return from conflict. The ceremony included a free breakfast for veterans, a service at Sunset Hills Cemetery near the Veterans Memorial Wall and Vietnam Wall, and a flyover of three small planes, including two Cessna O-1 Bird Dogs used in the Vietnam War. Over 100 veterans and civilians attended the event, which featured an invocation, a performance by the honor guard, and a rifle drill team from the Montana State University Reserve Officers’ Training Corps. Iraq veteran and Bozeman artist Jesse Albrecht also spoke, emphasizing the importance of seeking help for struggles faced by veterans. Senator Daines' message highlighted the lasting contributions and sacrifices of service members, stating, “Every day we are the beneficiaries of your personal...

Viano Quartet Awarded Avery Fisher Career Grant, Set for Montana Performances

Viano Quartet Awarded Avery Fisher Career Grant, Set for Montana Performances

Viano Quartet Awarded Avery Fisher Career Grant, Set for Montana Performances

Trump administration wants to sell public lands and shrink the federal estate

Trump administration wants to sell public lands and shrink the federal estate

President Donald Trump’s administration wants to sell public lands to states, tribes and local governments as part of an effort to “decrease the size of the federal estate.”

Montana Judge Rejects Settlement in Zortman-Landusky Mine Case, Siding with Fort Belknap Indian Community

Montana Judge Rejects Settlement in Zortman-Landusky Mine Case, Siding with Fort Belknap Indian Community

A judge in north-central Montana has rejected a settlement agreement between Montana’s environmental regulators and two individuals accused of illegal mining activities at the former Zortman-Landusky gold mine complex. This decision sides with the Fort Belknap Indian Community, which had opposed the proposed consent decree. The settlement, which would have required no admission of guilt from the property owners, was intended to resolve accusations of illegal mining. The Fort Belknap Indian Community had previously asked the judge to reject the settlement, highlighting ongoing concerns about the environmental impact of the mine site, particularly acid mine drainage. The Zortman-Landusky mine has been a source of environmental contention for years, with the community advocating for stricter oversight and accountability regarding its remediation.

Mid-Winter Weather Brings Snow and Cold to Heartland

Mid-Winter Weather Brings Snow and Cold to Heartland

A mid-winter weather pattern is dominating the Heartland, bringing snow, gusty winds, and frigid temperatures to several regions. In the Corn Belt, conditions are improving after a winter storm on February 4 caused over 5 inches of snow and wind gusts exceeding 40 mph in areas like Dubuque, Iowa, and La Crosse, Wisconsin. Meanwhile, Montana's High Plains are experiencing snowfall, which is providing much-needed moisture for winter wheat. In the South, Florida's peninsula is recovering from a light freeze that had minimal impact on crops, while rain showers are moving across the lower Southeast. The West remains mostly dry, except for snow in the northern Rockies and light showers in the Pacific Northwest. However, drought continues to affect 79.7% of the 11-state Western region, with exceptional drought conditions persisting in states like Utah, Arizona, and New Mexico.

Delaware DNREC Announces Public Workshops on Proposed Performance Standards for Oil and Natural Gas Sector

Delaware DNREC Announces Public Workshops on Proposed Performance Standards for Oil and Natural Gas Sector

The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC), Division of Air Quality (AQ), has announced public workshops to discuss proposed draft regulation 7 DE Admin. Code 1152, titled 'Performance Standards for Oil and Natural Gas Sector,' and the State Plan under 111(d) Emissions Guidelines. These workshops are scheduled for December 14, 2026, at the Delaware City Library and December 16, 2026, at the Bridgeville Public Library, both beginning at 6:00 pm. The primary goal of these documents is to establish emission guidelines for existing oil and natural gas sources within Delaware, aligning them with federal regulations. This initiative specifically targets the reduction of methane and other harmful emissions from two existing compressor stations in the state. The draft regulatory language will be available for public review at DNREC offices in New Castle and Dover, as well as on the Department’s website.

Senate advances sweeping energy legislation in first major action since midterm elections

Senate advances sweeping energy legislation in first major action since midterm elections

The Senate is moving forward with bipartisan legislation to speed up permitting for data centers and infrastructure projects

Missoula AI Company Sues City Over Data Center Zoning Regulations

Missoula AI Company Sues City Over Data Center Zoning Regulations

Missoula AI Company Sues City Over Data Center Zoning Regulations