Klein is also developing two renewable energy projects near Broadview that combine wind and solar energy generation with battery storage. That project was on track to come online by 2022, which was when Puget Sound Energy expected to begin replacing electricity from Colstrip Power Plant as its oldest units were shut down. The closure of the units frees up needed capacity on the transmission lines connecting Montana to the Pacific Northwest.

But earlier this month, Puget and Talen Energy announced plans to shutter Colstrip Units 1 and 2 by year’s end. Talen said the units were no longer economical and needed cheaper coal. As a result, Puget is now looking for renewable projects that can be launched earlier than 2022. Klein is working to oblige the Washington utility.

“The court ruling will certainly help, but the announcement of the closure of Colstrip 1 and 2, because of coal supply issues, two and a half years early, I think is by far a much bigger issue than anything else,” Klein said.