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The Northwest Could Power America’s AI Revolution — If We Go Nuclear

U.S. energy demand is expected to rise by about 3.5% each year through 2040. There is already severe stress on our aging energy infrastructure, even before accounting for the power-hungry needs of new technologies.

Natural Resources/Energy

Sam Cardwell

The Northwest Could Power America’s AI Revolution — If We Go Nuclear

Sam Cardwell

5 hours ago3 min read

One job, two standards: Idaho’s electrician licensing puzzle

A new policy analysis released today by the Mountain States Policy Center raises questions about Idaho’s licensing requirements for journeyman electricians, finding that the state requires additional classroom hours that are not required in several other states with which Idaho maintains license reciprocity.

MSPC Newsroom

2 days ago2 min read

Yellow triangular warning sign with exclamation mark in nature setting. Text reads "WARNING." Background includes trees and mountains.

Economic reports show Washington state failing the test

The reality today is that policymakers are making it increasingly harder to thrive and innovate within the ever-increasing tax and regulatory burden. The numerous economic reports are a loud warning that, unless a course correction is made, more entrepreneurs will be looking elsewhere to do business.

Sam Cardwell

4 days ago3 min read

Happy parents, unequal opportunities

Parents in Idaho and Montana are among the most satisfied in the country with their children’s schools. In Montana, 51% of parents say they are very satisfied with their child’s school, well above the national average of 47%. Idaho parents report similar confidence, with 48% saying they are very satisfied.

Chris Cargill

5 days ago3 min read

Golden scales of justice centered on a wooden desk in front of law books and a gavel, symbolizing fairness and authority.

A state constitutional convention could restore the constitution that Montanans ratified

The best way to defend the constitution is not to dig in one’s heels to protect an inaccurate and distorted version. The best way is to call a convention to, first, clean up drafting mistakes that tend to discredit the document, and, second, to correct judicial distortions of it.

Rob Natelson

6 days ago3 min read

Due Date Now: The needed push for maternity price transparency

For many families, childbirth is the single largest medical expense they will incur. Yet in most cases, parents enter the hospital with little idea what they will ultimately be charged.

Chris Cargill

7 days ago4 min read

Students in a lecture hall use smartphones and books. Some chat and smile, seated in wooden desks, creating a focused yet casual atmosphere.

Phones down, pencils up: How our region addresses phone use in schools

Growing up in the era of pagers and pay phones, I survived cell phone-free until college. As a mom to a teenage boy, I tried to stave off phone use as long as possible. Debates on appropriate screen time, talks about cyberbullying, and warnings about predators have become the norm. For most students, cell phones are an integral part of everyday life, and thus, their use in school has become a contentious issue. Washington, Idaho, Montana, and Wyoming are each addressing cell

Meg Goudy

7 days ago3 min read

Power lines stretch across a rural landscape with fields and autumn trees under a clear blue sky, creating a serene atmosphere.

Tech companies lead the way with new nuclear contracts

This new nuclear expansion by Meta and other tech companies sends a message to every major company with large energy needs. The nuclear landscape is different from what it has been in the past.

Sam Cardwell

Feb 273 min read

The Idaho income tax legislation that proposes a $20 U-Turn

The proposal would raise Idaho’s income tax rate from 5.3% to 5.325% and repeal the Parental Choice Tax Credit — just months after families began applying for it.

Chris Cargill

Feb 263 min read

Governor Gianforte featured at MSPC Helena event

We were honored to have Montana Governor Greg Gianforte attend and address the crowd at our policy event in Helena on February 24. Governor Gianforte discussed his plans for the upcoming 2027 Legislative Session, noting that moving the Treasure State to a flat income tax and providing families with more education choice opportunities were among his top priorities.

Jason Mercier

Feb 253 min read

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The Northwest Could Power America’s AI Revolution — If We Go Nuclear

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Phones down, pencils up: How our region addresses phone use in schools

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Why are so many governments serving as the collection agency for unions?

Government payroll systems are funded by taxpayers to administer public education — not to facilitate political fundraising.

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Free Markets First.

Mountain States Policy Center is the nation's fastest growing free market think tank. With a headquarters in Idaho and coverage in Washington state, Montana, and Wyoming, MSPC is the first multi-state think tank of its kind, working to educate key segments of society—including policymakers, the media, young leaders, and the rising generation of citizens— on the power of free markets and limited government to unleash prosperity and opportunity throughout the Mountain West and the nation. We do this because we believe “free markets are for everyone,” and offer the most compelling path for our country.