Groups Sue PSC for Refusing to Consider Climate Change

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Montana’s Constitution establishes the right to a clean and healthful environment. Does that right extend to how the state regulates the climate impacts of monopoly utilities, like NorthWestern Energy? 

A coalition of businesses, environmental groups and healthcare professionals says yes. That’s why they first petitioned the Montana Public Service Commission to include climate change in its regulatory decision-making two years ago.

Last month the PSC formally rejected that petition, and this week EarthJustice and the Western Environmental Law Center filed suit in state district court on behalf of 17 groups including the Montana Chapter of the American Academy of  

Derek Goldman with the Northwest Energy Coalition is one of the petitioners-turned-plaintiffs. In a statement about the lawsuit, he said, “With each passing year, the effects of greenhouse gas pollution on Montana and the region become more severe.”

Public Service Commissioner Allegations

Keila Szpaller, Friday October 31, 2025, 

Montana Public Service Commission (via PSC Twitter account).  Public Service Commissioner Annie Bukacek, also a doctor in private practice, is using state equipment to copy medical records unrelated to agency work, a complaint filed this week with the state ethics watchdog alleges.

Bukacek, elected in 2022, declined Friday to address the question and directed the Daily Montanan to the Public Service Commission director.

Public Service Commissioner Brad Molnar filed the complaint, dated Wednesday, with the Commissioner of Political Practices, which monitors and enforces ethical standards for public officers.

In the complaint, Molnar, recently ousted as president, asks the Commissioner of Political Practices to estimate the money Bukacek owes ratepayers for her alleged abuse of state resources and levy penalties accordingly.  Bukacek is a licensed physician based in Kalispell, according to the Montana Board of Medical Examiners. She is on the Logan Health Medical Center receptionist directory.