Katy Spence, Author at Montana Environmental Information Center - MEIC

Recording: Better Paths Forward: Why Nuclear Energy Isn’t The Energy of the Near Future

Katy Spence — Tue, 07 Oct 2025 21:59:12 +0000

Many climate advocates are placing a lot of hope in nuclear energy, but is this experimental, expensive technology worth the risks? From the harmful impacts of extracting uranium on Indigenous people to the byproducts of nuclear energy being used to create nuclear weapons, the costs of nuclear energy go beyond an inflated price tag. As …

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NorthWestern Energy Rate Case Costs that Should Not Be Charged to Customers

Katy Spence — Thu, 17 Jul 2025 15:21:28 +0000

NorthWestern Energy’s rate case is in its final months after the Public Service Commission (PSC) hearing concluded in June. The PSC will issue a final decision sometime this fall. MEIC intervened in the rate case and is represented by Earthjustice. We are advocating for reliability, affordability and consideration of the environment. (Other intervenors being represented …

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Webinar Recording: Ask the Experts: NorthWestern Rate Case

Katy Spence — Tue, 08 Apr 2025 20:05:35 +0000

NorthWestern Energy has initiated another rate case with the Montana Public Service Commission to increase electric and gas utility rates in its Montana service territory. Included in this request is a 26% increase to base electricity rates, over $2.3 billion in lifetime costs for the Yellowstone County Generating Station (YCGS) methane gas plant, and a blank check for certain near-future investments into the dirty and unreliable Colstrip plant that could well exceed $2 billion. With the hearing beginning on April 22, Montana ratepayers need to know exactly what NorthWestern Energy is asking for.

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Webinar Recording: MEIC Weekly Legislative Update, March 27, 2025

Katy Spence — Mon, 31 Mar 2025 15:23:30 +0000

Chaos continues at the Capitol. This week, we give a status update on our highest priorities bills, including the undermining of our judicial system, sustainable development challenges, nuclear waste siting, and of course, MEPA.

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Webinar Recording: MEIC Weekly Legislative Update, March 20, 2025

Katy Spence — Mon, 31 Mar 2025 15:22:06 +0000

The Legislative Session is back in full swing. In this week’s update, we discuss the latest developments, including a number of important hearings this week on MEPA bills, land use bills, energy bills, and more.

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Webinar Recording: MEIC Weekly Legislative Update, March 13, 2025

Katy Spence — Fri, 14 Mar 2025 16:39:53 +0000

With the transmittal break underway, MEIC’s lobbying team is taking a short breather from the Capitol. This week, we’ll discuss what’s ahead and the most effective ways to stay engaged in the second half of the session. Links shared during this call: Here’s the announcement from EPA: https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/USEPAAO/bulletins/3d69ab1 Here’s our statement on this announcement: https://meic.org/statement-from-meics-anne-hedges-gaslighting-americans-is-no-way-to-protect-clean-air-water-and-land/ …

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Webinar Recording: MEIC Weekly Legislative Update, March 6, 2025

Katy Spence — Fri, 07 Mar 2025 17:58:21 +0000

This week, we’re officially halfway through the session and looking forward to transmittal break which starts on March 8. We sent a flurry of action alerts this week and you all have SHOWN UP! Thank you. We appreciate your support, and we know we wouldn’t be successful in Helena without you. Links shared during this …

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Webinar Recording: MEIC Weekly Legislative Update, Feb. 20, 2025

Katy Spence — Fri, 21 Feb 2025 16:20:48 +0000

This week, we reviewed a slate of new bills that cater to fossil fuels and utilities. We also talked about the importance of sharing news and opinions with your community, especially in the form of op-eds and LTEs. **Please note that SB 310 is a typo. The correct bill number is SB 301** Links and …

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Webinar Recording: MEIC Weekly Legislative Update, Feb. 13, 2025

Katy Spence — Fri, 14 Feb 2025 18:01:32 +0000

Things are moving quickly now: Energy bills, judiciary bills, land use bills, oh my! And, of course, MEPA bills still persist. This week, we were being joined by our friend Makenna Sellers, Executive Director of the Montana Renewable Energy Association (MREA) who gave an update at the beginning of our weekly update. Links and information …

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Webinar Recording: MEIC Weekly Legislative Update, Feb. 6, 2025

Katy Spence — Fri, 07 Feb 2025 17:25:07 +0000

Things are getting even tougher in the Capitol. A few good bills have died, and some bad bills persist. Special guest Nick Gevock, Sierra Club, gave an overview of some of the most important wildlife bills in the session. Links and information shared in this call: Here is a fact sheet from Sierra Club about …

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