FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 13, 2025

Three Strikes: Gianforte Vetoes Bipartisan Solutions for Montanans

Governor Gianforte blocks bills supporting energy freedom, Montana landscapes despite significant public and legislative support

(HELENA, Mont.) — Despite rising utility costs and growing demand for local, affordable energy solutions, Governor Greg Gianforte has once again rejected commonsense Montana-grown policy. His latest veto of Senate Bill 188, the “Montana Solar Shares Act,” continues a troubling pattern: siding with powerful special interests over the needs and will of everyday Montanans. 

SB 188, a bill with bipartisan support, would have given households and small businesses a chance to lower their electricity bills by subscribing to a portion of a shared solar array, earning monthly credits for the energy generated. The bill was a practical step toward greater energy freedom and a market-driven boost for Montana’s clean energy economy. The strongest opposition to this bill’s successful passage through the legislature came from NorthWestern Energy.

“Montanans are paying more for electricity than ever, and SB 188 offered a clear, commonsense solution,” said Montana Conservation Voters Interim Executive Director Renee Kelley. “Instead of siding with Montana families and businesses, the Governor capitulated to entrenched special interests.” 

SB 188 is just the latest in a string of vetoes by Governor Gianforte that have undermined broadly supported, bipartisan legislation. Other recent vetoes include:

• House Bill 477, which would have phased out toxic Styrofoam containers and promoted safer, compostable alternatives — including those made from Montana-grown agricultural byproducts. Styrofoam is linked to serious long-term risks to human health and the environment.
• Senate Bill 537, a comprehensive conservation and community investment package that would have directed recreational marijuana tax revenue toward public health programs, assistance for unhoused Montanans, local law enforcement support, and the establishment of the Habitat Legacy Account to protect public lands.

“These weren’t radical bills. They were Montana solutions to Montana problems, vetted, supported, and passed by Republicans and Democrats alike,” said Kelley. “Governor Gianforte didn’t just veto these ideas. He vetoed commonsense cooperation and progress.”

All three bills passed with bipartisan majorities and had the backing of diverse coalitions of community leaders, small businesses, public health professionals, and conservation organizations.

MCV and its partners are already planning to bring these efforts forward again during the 2027 legislative session.

“Montanans deserve better than vetoes that ignore real needs in favor of political convenience,” Kelley added. “We’re not backing down. We’ll be back in 2027, and we’ll keep working until the people’s priorities become law.”