BILLINGS, Mont. (AP) — A federal magistrate judge has declared unconstitutional two Montana laws that sought to prevent the closure of a coal-fired power plant by its out of state owners. U.S. District Judge Kathleen DeSoto said the laws violated free commerce provisions in the U.S. Constitution and federal laws intended to keep states from interfering in private agreements. One of the laws required disagreements over the plant go through arbitration in Montana. Another allowed Montana to fine companies that did not pay for plant maintenance. Most of Colstrip’s power is used in Washington state, which has banned the use of coal-generated power by the end of 2025.
Judge says laws propping up Montana coal plant are illegal
