MT SJ21

Requests the Legislative Council to assign an interim or statutory committee to study Montana's participation in interstate compacts for electric transmission infrastructure development

Study must evaluate legal frameworks, economic benefits and cost implications for ratepayers, market-based competition principles, and best practices from other states and regional transmission organizations

Requires analysis of streamlined permitting mechanisms, federal regulatory compliance, and stakeholder input from energy industry, consumer advocates, regulatory agencies, and legal experts

Study must be completed by September 15, 2026, with final results reported to the 70th Legislature

References FERC order RM99-2-000 encouraging regional transmission organizations and the January 20, 2025 national energy emergency declaration as context for the study