Governor Gianforte Convenes Energy Task Force for First Meeting

Governor Gianforte Convenes Energy Task Force for First Meeting

Charges task force with leading the nation in energy policy

• September 22 2025

HELENA, Mont. - Governor Greg Gianforte today joined members of his Unleashing American-Made Energy Task Force for its first meeting. In his opening remarks to the task force, the governor focused on the nationwide energy crisis and the importance of securing Montana as a leader in increasing the supply of affordable and reliable energy options.

"Everyone in this room knows the reality - we are facing an energy crisis in the United States, one that drives the affordability crisis impacting Montana families," Gov. Gianforte said. "We must meet this challenge head-on to secure affordable, reliable energy to power our homes, schools, and businesses without breaking the bank."

Gov. Gianforte speaking during a meeting of the Unleashing American-Made Energy Task Force

The governor charged the task force, which he created through an executive order, with providing him with short- and long-term recommendations and strategies for Montana to increase the supply of affordable and reliable energy options. Gov. Gianforte has directed the task force to provide recommendations that give Montana energy producers and consumers with greater certainty in the market, stable delivery systems for electricity, efficient permitting and regulatory systems, and an end to frivolous litigation designed to delay or thwart responsible, environmentally-sound energy development.

Emphasizing President Trump's executive orders aimed at unleashing American-made energy, the governor expressed Montana's opportunity to be a natural leader in energy policy, embracing an "all-of-the-above" approach.

"We are a state rich in energy resources with a long history of responsible energy development. Our diverse energy portfolio includes coal, oil, natural gas, hydropower, wind, and solar. Working with our federal partners, Montana stands ready to do our part to expand energy production and help make America affordable again," the governor said.

According to a recent report from the Western Electricity Coordinating Council, the demand for electricity is projected to grow by 20 percent in the next ten years. The same report projected a 9 percent increase in demand only two years ago.

State agency leaders, legislators, local officials, association representatives, economists, researchers, and stakeholders make up the task force. Gov. Gianforte appointed Sonja Nowakowski, director of the Department of Environmental Quality, to chair the task force. Marta Bertoglio, director of the Department of Commerce, is the task force's vice chair. The task force will produce a written report with recommendations and strategies by September 15, 2026.

"As we stand up this task force, it is essential to remember some of our top objectives, to increase the supply of affordable and reliable energy options for Montana and to develop strategies that not only address our current needs but also ensure sustainability for future generations," said Director Nowakowski.

During the meeting, the task force also created three subcommittees charged with specific focuses and named co-leads for each subcommittee. The subcommittees include those titled: Generation, Growing Demand, and Transmission and Markets.

More details about the task force including future meeting dates, agendas, and materials may be found on the Department of Environmental Quality's website here.

The full text of the governor's executive order establishing the task force may be found here. Watch Gov. Gianforte's opening comments in the first task force meeting here.