The Montana State Capitol in Helena on Wednesday, April 26, 2023. (Photo by Mike Clark for the Daily Montanan)

Public Service Commissioner Jennifer Fielder has called on Gov. Greg Gianforte to immediately suspend PSC President Brad Molnar, alleging Molnar is stymying an internal investigation into his conduct.

But Molnar has described the demand as “patently unlawful” and a calculated move to oust him as the PSC prepares to consider one of the largest proposed regulatory deals in Montana — a merger between NorthWestern Energy and South Dakota-based Black Hills Corp announced last week.

In Montana, the governor has the authority to suspend a commissioner if the commissioner fails to perform their duties, as described in state law.

In an email, a spokesperson for the Governor’s Office sa

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