Gianforte to Washington Governor: Your policy has "devastating impacts" on Montana

WASHINGTON – At a congressional hearing last week, Congressman Greg Gianforte blasted Washington Gov. Jay Inslee for his anti-coal agenda that would kill Montana jobs and drive up electricity rates for Montana consumers.

After Gianforte described Inslee's agenda to have Washington state end all consumption of coal-fired electricity within the next six years, he circled back to Inslee's testimony.

"You testified today that your policies have had no detrimental effect on any community," Gianforte said.

Gianforte then cited a 2018 report from the Bureau of Business and Economic Research (BBER) at the University of Montana.

The report finds that, if Units 3 and 4 of Colstrip Electric Generating Station were shut down prematurely, Montanans would lose over $5.2 billion in income, the state would lose nearly 3,300 jobs, Montana's population would shrink by more than 7,000, and Montanans would face higher electricity prices.

"Those are devastating impacts of your policy on Montana and our communities," Gianforte said.

Beyond Inslee's agenda to ban coal-fired electricity, Gianforte highlighted Inslee's efforts to prevent coal exports out of Washington's ports, describing how that would undermine trade and America's role in the world.

As he closed his questioning, Gianforte made an offer to Inslee.

"Governor, I would invite you to come to Colstrip, Montana with me to meet the people whose livelihoods you are extinguishing," Gianforte said. "You have my open invitation."