Discuss Grid Reliability, Baseload Power, and the North Plains Connector
U.S. SENATE – U.S. Senator Steve Daines today spoke with Secretary of Energy Chris Wright about supporting Montana’s energy priorities. The two discussed grid reliability and the necessity of baseload power. Daines also emphasized his support for the North Plains Connector and Montana refineries.
Watch the full exchange HERE.
Daines on the Importance of Grid Reliability and Baseload Power:
Daines: Secretary Wright, it’s great to have you back here. Last week, the EPA announced they’ve started the process to roll back President Biden’s anti-energy rules, including MATS and Clean Power Plan 2.0. The Biden administration specifically targeted Colstrip in Montana with these rules, with the express intention of closing it down for good. Mr. Secretary, as you know, this would have been devastating for Montana jobs, devastating for grid reliability and energy production in the region at a time when we need more energy. It is vital we continue to expand energy production, not shut it down or replace it. That means building more projects while ensuring coal plants like Colstrip continue to produce baseload power—reliable, affordable, power. My question, Secretary Wright, is as the EPA and other agencies work to rescind and rewrite rules, will you weigh in to ensure that grid reliability, energy affordability, and baseload power are top of mind for rules that are affecting power generation?
Wright: Absolutely yes.
Daines Explained the Need for the North Plains Connector:
Daines: Last week, Senator Hoeven and I, along with our colleagues from Montana and North Dakota Delegations, sent you a letter expressing our strong support for DOE’s efforts to advance American energy dominance, particularly through the approval of the North Plains Connector Interregional Transmission Project. As you know, the department’s GRIP program awarded a $700 million grant to the Montana Department of Commerce for this critical project. When completed, this North Plains Connector would extend a 420-mile-high voltage transmission line capable of carrying up to 525 kilovolts of electricity between Eastern Montana and Western North Dakota. Right now, Montana exports the majority of its electricity, including from Colstrip. We go west to states like Oregon and Washington. This project would have the potential to diversify Montana’s generation assets, unlocking billions in private investment, and enhance our nation’s energy security by connecting eastern and western electric grids. My question, Secretary Wright, to keep this critical project on track to meet its 2032 operational target, will you commit to supporting advancement of the North Plains Connector Grip Award to ensure that we can move this forward?
Wright: I think you make a strong case for the project and interconnections between grids. It’s certainly something the United States needs more of.
Daines Asked Secretary Wright How He Will Support Montana Refineries:
Daines: Last week the EPA released their renewable fuel obligations, which will put significant pressure on Montana’s small refineries. Unfortunately, the Biden administration never issued small refinery exemptions and the refineries in Montana suffered. DOE plays an important role in consulting with EPA over small refinery exemptions. And it’s important that your voice is heard as EPA makes their decisions. Secretary Wright, I’d ask if you’re willing to work with Administrator Zeldin to ensure that our Montana refineries, with a small refinery exemption, have the resources they need to continue operating.
Wright: Yes indeed.
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Contact: Matt Lloyd, Gabby Wiggins