Cascade County approves rezoning of land for Highwood Generating Station

Following months of delays the Highwood Generating Station near Great falls can officially move forward after members of the Cascade County Commission approved a final resolution amending zoning regulations on Tuesday.

The new regulations allow the Urquharts, who own the land where the proposed plant would be built, to apply for rezoning. The land needs to be rezoned from agricultural to "heavy industrial use" before Southern Montana Electric can build the plant.

The process was delayed by more than five months after confusion in the original zoning regulations forced commissioners to revise them. SME representatives say the rezoning process has been long and they're ready to take the next step toward building the power plant.

The next step in the process requires the Urquharts to apply again for rezoning and then the "zone change process" can begin, which is expected to take as long as three months. SME's application will go through a public hearing period and another public protest period before commissioners will consider rezoning the land.

About five other projects, mostly subdivisions, were also delayed while commissioners reworded the regulations. Commissioner Peggy Beltrone was in Washington D.C. for a conference and could not be present for Tuesday's vote.

(from October 22, 2007)

The controversy surrounding the Highwood Generating Station is getting national attention. Several farmers, opposing the coal plant, including Daryl Lassilla, were interviewed by the New York Times.

The article looks at how the America is trying to balance the rising demand for energy, with environmental concerns. Lassilla says it's nice to know that such a local issue is reaching a nationwide audience.

"There are numerous coal plants that have already been shut down and I think this one should be the next one shut down."

Lassilla and other farmers in the area are worried that pollutants from the coal plant will harm their crops and livestock, and could jeopardize any organic-certified products.

Plant supporters say it will be one of the cleanest generating stations in the world. And the government predicts that coal will continue to be America's top energy producer for decades to come.