NorthWestern fires up gas plant near Laurel, fueling neighbors fight for open public process

NorthWestern Energy will fire up its controversial, newly constructed natural gas plant near Laurel this month.

Although the electricity it generates is expected to boost Montana’s power grid as demand peaks with rising temperatures this summer, the debate over burning fossil fuels next to the Yellowstone River isn’t cooling down.

Lawyers are expected in Yellowstone County District Court Monday for a conference to schedule hearings for the latest lawsuit filed by neighbors of the power generation station just outside Laurel city limits.

NorthWestern Energy’s Yellowstone Generating Station, a natural gas-fired power plant, is seen under construction near Laurel in February 2023. The plant is expected to be fully operational this month.

LARRY MAYER, Billings Gazette

NorthWestern bought the land in 2021 to build a 175-megawatt methane plant.

Residents who live nearby have concerns due to the site’s proximity to the Yellowstone River and because some of the land is designated for agriculture.

Their protests led to legal challenges questioning the authority of local governments, the validity of land-use regulations and growth planning decisions made for the area around Laurel and the public’s right to

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