February 22, 2026 - Governor Greg Gianforte has released the following statement praising the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) repeal of the Biden Administration’s?2024 amendments to the Mercury and Air Toxics Standards (MATS) for power plants:

“During the Biden administration, the EPA weaponized its rulemaking authority against coal-generated power, threatening the early retirement of Colstrip and other coal mines across the nation. Thanks to President Donald J. Trump and EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin, America’s coal-fired power plants can continue to support thousands of jobs and provide affordable, reliable baseload power while ensuring public health and the environment are protected.

“The demand for energy is only increasing. Through this action, the federal government shows its support for states like Montana that are focused on strengthening and securing our grid to keep the lights and heat on in our homes, schools, and businesses.”

In April 2025, President Trump and EPA Administrator Zeldin issued a two-year exemption from the 2024 MATS rule for Colstrip and nearly 50 other plants. In a 2023 letter to the EPA Gov. Gianforte highlighted the 2024 MATS rule threatened the early retirement of Colstrip that would cost Montana consumers an estimated $1.1 billion over the next 20 years.

Read today’s announcement from the EPA here.