Bullock Responds to Pressure from Gianforte on Colstrip, Gianforte Called on Inslee to Veto Weeks Ago

Press Release

Over two weeks ago, Bozeman businessman and high tech entrepreneur Greg Gianforte called on Washington Governor Jay Inslee (D-WA) to veto legislation that would pave the way for the shutdown of Colstrip, Montana.

Joining Gianforte at the site of the old Corette coal-fired power plant were labor leaders, local lawmakers, businesspeople, and leaders of the grassroots group "Colstrip United." The Corette plant shut down under Gov. Bullock's watch.

The Bullock campaign responded by calling it a "stunt." Bullock's own natural resources adviser was also quoted as saying that Bullock "isn't likely to ask Inslee to veto the measure."

10 days ago, Gianforte repeated his call for Inslee to veto the bill in a guest opinion column for the Helena Independent Record.

GREG GIANFORTE: This bill in Washington is only one threat facing Colstrip and Montana's economy. Rather than putting more wind in the sails of the anti-Colstrip lobby, we need a Governor who will stand up and fight for Montana. Seven thousand Montana jobs and a one-billion dollar chunk of our economy hangs in the balance.

The pressure from Gianforte must be getting to Bullock. Finally, after weeks of pressure, Bullock is now reluctantly asking Inslee to veto the bill.

Gianforte added, "Bullock is finally, reluctantly coming around to attempting to do something to stand up for Colstrip. But with an April 2nd deadline, let's just hope it's not too little too late."

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