Executive Order

7-01 EXECUTIVE ORDER ESTABLISHING THE INTERAGENCY ENERGY DEVELOPMENT TASK FORCE

May 8, 2001

WHEREAS, several agencies of state government have statutory authority to regulate different elements respecting the review, permitting, construction and operation of proposed power generating facilities, pipelines and transmission lines in Montana; and

WHEREAS, the review, construction and operation of all proposed power generating facilities, pipelines and transmission lines in Montana requires the joint, cooperative and coordinated actions by state agencies in fulfilling legal obligations; and

WHEREAS, HB 474, enacted May 5, 2001, is a critical element that will assist in engaging the proper private/public partnerships in developing environmentally sound and fiscally responsible power generation facilities.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, JUDY MARTZ, Governor of the State of Montana, in accordance with the authority vested in me, do hereby order and direct the Department of Environmental Quality, Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks, Historic Preservation Office, Department of Transportation, Department of Commerce and Department of Natural Resources and Conservation to establish by interagency agreement an Interagency Energy Development Task Force to be administered by the Department of Environmental Quality. The Interagency Energy Development Task Force shall facilitate joint, cooperative and coordinated actions by state agencies and provide informational support for those agencies in fulfilling legal obligations relating to the development of energy projects in the State of Montana.

I. PURPOSE

The objectives of the Interagency Energy Development Task Force are to:

A. provide technical assistance to the Montana Power Authority created in HB 474;
B. reduce duplication of agency effort;
C. provide informational support to agencies;
D. help the agencies share other agency skills, knowledge and expertise;
E. provide the public with information;
F. provide a central point of contact for the review, construction and regulatory authorities of proposed energy development;
G. expedite the permitting process where possible; and,
H. provide adequate personnel for necessary activities performed by the Interagency Energy Development Task Force.

Specifically, the Interagency Energy Development Task Force shall:

1. provide technical assistance, upon request, to the Montana Power Authority created by HB 474;
2. provide a single point of contact to facilitate communications between state agencies and construction authorities and state agencies and any appropriate federal agencies;
3. provide information about proposed energy development and government involvement to the public affected by the projects;
4. work with federal agencies and private landowners, upon request, on federal and private lands to promote consistency;
5. review and evaluate the construction authority's design and operational plans for agencies if state approval of such plans is required prior to construction; and
6. coordinate construction and operation oversight to determine that permit and easement conditions are being adhered to by the developer.

II. DURATION

The Interagency Energy Development Task Force shall remain in existence for four years from the effective date of this order unless extended or terminated subsequent executive order.

This Order is effective immediately.

	GIVEN under my hand and the GREAT SEAL of the State of Montana, this ___ day of __________, 2001. JUDY MARTZ, Governor
ATTEST: BOB BROWN, Secretary of State