US EditionGov. Gianforte declines to suspend embattled Public Service Commissioner Molnar
Gov. Greg Gianforte declined to suspend PSC President Brad Molnar amid internal commission disputes involving allegations and a suspension request by the PSC vice president.
- On Dec. 26, Gov. Greg Gianforte declined to suspend Brad Molnar, saying the evidence does not meet `good cause` to suspend while the internal investigation continues.
- On Aug. 20, Commissioner Jennifer Fielder asked the governor to suspend Molnar, alleging he used his position to obstruct the investigation and the commission voted 3-2 in October to remove him as president.
- At a Sept. 16 hearing before Judge Mike Menahan, Molnar paid for polygraph examiner tests, sued to block suspension but lost an October ruling, and his lawyer Matthew Monforton argued he should remain.
- Molnar can remain in his elected position while the investigation continues, as Gianforte urged the Public Service Commission response team to complete its report this month with recommendations by January 2026 and emphasized his decision does not excuse alleged conduct.
- The dispute comes as the PSC weighs major NorthWestern Energy matters affecting approximately 400,000 Montanans, while internal dysfunction shifts commission dynamics and impacts regulatory oversight.
15 Articles
15 Articles
Montana Free Press
Governor declines to suspend utility commissioner amid workplace conduct investigation
State utility commissioner Brad Molnar can keep his job. For now. With an internal agency investigation into alleged workplace misconduct by Molnar still pending, Gov. Greg Gianforte has denied another commissioner’s request to suspend Molnar from his role. Gianforte said in a Dec. 26 letter he had determined that the evidence available to him doesn’t meet the “good cause” standard necessary to employ a rarely used section of state law that giv…
Governor won't suspend Molnar from Montana PSC while investigation continues
Gov. Greg Gianforte has ruled theres no need to suspend Montana Public Service Commissioner Brad Molnar from office until an investigation against him is completed.Gianforte declined a request from Commissioner Jennifer Fielder, on behalf of the Public Service Commissions response team, to temporarily remove Molnar while the investigation continues.With what appears to be adequate measures within PSC policy for the Team and Commission to navigat…
Gov. Gianforte declines to suspend Molnar
Gov. Greg Gianforte said Friday he does not have “good cause” to suspend Public Service Commissioner Brad Molnar.However, in a letter regarding a complaint filed against Molnar, the governor also encouraged the internal Public Service Commission “response team” that’s charged…
Helena Independent Record
Gov. Gianforte declines to suspend embattled Public Service Commissioner Molnar
In a Dec. 26 letter Gov. Greg Gianforte declined to suspend Public Service Commissioner Molnar after his fellow commissioner asked that he be temporarily removed.
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