Tester, Daines, Gianforte Demand EPA Resolve $4 Million Fine Against Powell County

Delegation Stands Up for Montana

U.S. SENATE – U.S. Senators Jon Tester and Steve Daines and Congressman Greg Gianforte are working to protect Powell County from having to pay a $4 million fine to the U.S. Treasury Department.

The government sent Powell County the bill to cover the costs of an oil spill cleanup from 2011, initially totaling $3,172,982.89.
At that time, Powell County made clear to the Environmental Protection Agency and the Coast Guard that it was unable to foot a multi-million dollar fine and sought alternate methods of cleaning up the site.

The county’s concerns were ignored and now after the additional costs of interest and penalties, the bill has soared to $3.9 million.
The Montana delegation wrote to Treasury Department Secretary Steven Mnuchin, urging him to work with Powell County to find another solution.

“We urge you to work with the county to determine a mutually acceptable resolution,” the Montana delegation wrote. “As part of that effort, we also ask that you either minimize the county’s liability for cleanup costs or absolve them of it entirely.”

If the dispute is not resolved, the nearly $4 million bill could have a devastating impact on Powell County and its residents.
To download the letter, click HERE.