The Policy Institute, based in Helena, Montana, blends authoritative research and hands-on political engagement to create public policy based on economic justice, fair taxation, corporate accountability and environmental responsibility.

Montana is widely recognized to have enormous potential - particularly from the state's wind and coal resources - to produce electrical energy for regional and national consumption. The development of new electrical production in the state faces constraints, however, including an existing transmission infrastructure of limited capacity. As a result, proposals for several new interregional electrical transmission lines are currently under consideration. Because the implications of large transmission projects are numerous, sizable, and enduring, it is imperative that Montanans and other interested citizens understand the proposed projects and their likely impacts.

Transmission line proposals generate public concern about a number of issues, including environmental impacts, route location, and encouragement of different sources and methods of energy production. The analysis provided by The Policy Institute through this web portal will focus on a particular aspect of transmission line development - tax and economic implications - that is seldom given sufficient scrutiny and is often discussed with excessive presumption.

We will add to our analysis continually and often, so visit this site regularly.