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Montana Governor Suspends PSC Commissioner Brad Molnar
Molnar says he was denied due process and seeks to block a new appointee while a $3.6 billion merger remains before the commission.
- On Monday, suspended Montana Public Service Commissioner Brad Molnar asked a state district court judge to block Governor Greg Gianforte from appointing his replacement, seeking a preliminary injunction until the court rules on his request to restore his office.
- Governor Greg Gianforte suspended Molnar without pay for one year last Thursday after the Public Service Commission requested his removal following investigations into allegations of sexual harassment, discrimination, and retaliatory behavior toward agency employees.
- Molnar argued he received "government by accusation" rather than proper due process, claiming he was denied robust cross-examination rights that employees facing termination normally possess.
- The court filing argues that blocking an "unlawfully seated appointee" prevents immediate harm, as a replacement would cast votes on the pending $3.6 billion NorthWestern Energy-Black Hills Energy merger of significant consequence to Montana ratepayers.
- Gianforte described the suspension as "unprecedented" but warranted by Molnar's conduct, though his office noted Monday the governor is still evaluating next steps for appointing a Public Service Commission replacement.
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20 Articles
20 Articles
Missoulian+3 Reposted by 3 other sources
Molnar seeks to block governor from appointing his temporary replacement on Montana PSC
Molnar’s attorney argued Monday that allowing his replacement to be appointed would set in motion a $3.6 billion utility merger he claims is at the heart of his suspension.
·Missoula, United States
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Flathead Beacon+3 Reposted by 3 other sources
Gianforte Suspends PSC Commissioner Brad Molnar
Gov. Greg Gianforte has suspended Brad Molnar from the state’s utility board following investigations into his workplace conduct. In a letter dated July 9, Gianforted addressed the “unprecedented” nature of the suspension, which he described as warranted by Molnar’s “unprecedented behavior.” Multiple Public Service Commission employees have accused Molnar of sexual harassment, discrimination and retaliatory behavior. Gianforte ordered the suspe…
Coverage Details
Total News Sources20
Leaning Left7Leaning Right0Center12Last UpdatedBias Distribution63% Center
Bias Distribution
- 63% of the sources are Center
63% Center
L 37%
C 63%
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