Document rxawp4xvGeY2MNaodQrGQOeYE

USCA Case #24-1190 Document #2062093 Filed: 06/27/2024 Page 72 of 92 Table 7 The Economic implications of MATS Rulemaking in Montana Population Impacts (People) Age Cohort Ages 0-14 Ages 15-24 Impacts by Year 2028 2O35 2040 -318 -923 -1,014 -279 -452 -507 Ages 2564 Ages 65+ Total 707 2 1,3O5 2,192 81 3,647 2,421 164 4,1O6 Conclusion 'Ibis report has summarized and documented the findings elan analysis of the economic implications of the MATS rulcmaking in Montana. Specifically, it addresses how the MATS rulcmaking-induced closure of the Colstrip Steam Electric Station (SES) in Rosebud County in southeast Montana due to the physical or economic infeasibility of meeting the reduced mercury emission threshold in the new final MATS rule would affect the economy of the state. The potential for economic harm from the rulcmaking is made greater due to the tight coupling between the Colstrip SES and the immediately adjacent Rosebud Mine that serves the generation station with its coal supply via conveyor belt. This is because without substantial new development in rail infrastructure, the continued production of coal with the closure of the generating station would be impossible and its closure would occur as well. The basic finding of this study is that implementation of the new MATS standard would be a significant negative event for the Montana economy. The loss of the high-paying jobs at the two facilities, and the cessation of the significant vendor spending and tax revenues associated with their operation, would ultimately precipitate a loss of 3,262 jobs in 2028, the first full year of closure after the new standards take effect. 'Phis impact represents the difference between what employment in the state would have been in a no-closure scenario and the post-closure job total. This employment impact grows to 3A46 jobs in 2030. Other dimensions of economic vitality are presented in this report. All underscore the overall conclusion that a Montana economy that is required to meet the final rule of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's MATS regulation is smaller, less prosperous, and less populous than would occur if the current rules remained in effect. 9 Sierra Club FOIA 2025-EPA-04883 ED_018388_00000309-00072 SC_EVERSPLIT0006235