Key investor in Montana coal-fired power plant backs out

Highwood developers have said they anticipate the state-of-the-art plant will be able to pass environmental muster.

Holzer said Yellowstone Valley's withdrawal from the project was not intended to prevent Highwood from moving forward.

"If they want to go ahead, fine," he said. "Find a replacement partner."

Apart from the Highwood project, Yellowstone Valley remains in Southern Montana Electric for purposes of power purchases, power transmission and related services.

Cooperatives still involved with Highwood are Beartooth Electric in Red Lodge, Fergus Electric in Lewistown, Mid-Yellowstone Electric in Hysham and Tongue River Electric in Ashland.