Molnar Challenges Suspension From Montana PSC, Lawsuit Filled to Pause NorthWestern Energy Merger
Molnar says the one-year suspension was politically motivated and denied him due process as the PSC weighs a major utility merger.
- On Friday, District Judge Mike Menahan heard arguments regarding Public Service Commissioner Brad Molnar's legal challenge to his one-year suspension by Governor Greg Gianforte.
- Governor Greg Gianforte suspended Molnar last month for one year, citing an investigation report that claimed he made "repeated and unwelcome sex-based remarks" and retaliated against staff.
- Molnar's attorney, Matthew Monforton, argued the suspension causes "irreparable harm" by barring him from hearings on a proposed NorthWestern Energy merger, which Molnar claims a replacement appointee will favor.
- Gianforte is currently accepting public comments on five candidates to fill the temporary vacancy, with the comment period closing August 20, when Monforton expects a judicial ruling.
- The climate organization 350 Montana and the Montana Farmers Union filed a lawsuit seeking to pause merger proceedings, arguing Molnar's voice is "absolutely essential," though Menahan denied their intervention request.
33 Articles
33 Articles
iosconews.com
Molnar challenges suspension from Montana PSC, lawsuit filled to pause NorthWestern Energy merger
Public Service Commissioner Brad Molnar is challenging Gov. Greg Gianforte's suspension of him from the commission. At the same time, a lawsuit was filed asking that all consideration of a major NorthWestern Energy merger be paused until the Molnar case…
Helena Independent Record
Montana Standard'Ungovernable': Gianforte, PSC defend actions against suspended commissioner Brad Molnar
Brad Molnar's attorney argued in court on Friday that he did not receive proper due process before the governor suspended him from office for one year without pay.
Molnar asks judge to block his one-year suspension from Montana PSC
One of Montanas top utility regulators is currently suspended from office, but hes asking a state judge to block that suspension before Gov. Greg Gianforte can choose a temporary replacement.Attorneys representing Public Service Commissioner Brad Molnar, Gianforte and other members of the Public Service Commission made arguments Friday morning in front of District Judge Mike Menahan in Helena.(Watch the video to see more from Friday's hearing.) …
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