Coal and Ranching
Montana Climate & Energy Policy 2026
Renewable energy goals, fossil fuel dependence, solar and wind rankings, and how climate and energy shape Montana politics ahead of 2026.
Coal and Ranching
Energy Profile
#21
National Solar Rank
No
EV Incentives
No
Offshore Wind
Key Energy Policies
| Renewable Portfolio Standard | 15% by 2015 (met) |
| Carbon/Climate Target | None formal |
| EV Incentives | No |
| Offshore Wind | No |
| Fossil Fuel Dependence | High (coal important, also ranching/agriculture) |
Energy System Overview
Montana has significant coal production and was home to the Colstrip coal plant. The state also has wind and solar resources. The Montana Supreme Court ruled in favor of youth plaintiffs challenging fossil fuel projects on climate grounds (Held v. Montana, 2023).
2026 Political Impact
Montana is now safely Republican. Coal mining communities oppose clean energy mandates. The Held v. Montana youth climate case was a landmark ruling but faces ongoing legal challenges.