Rio Roland

Rio Roland earned a high school diploma from Bottineau High School, a bachelor's degree from Oregon State University in 1999, and a graduate degree from the University of Minnesota in 2003. His career experience includes working as an engineer.[1]

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

Born in Bottineau County, ND, I now reside in Bozeman, Montana. I will be 49 for the general election.

I hold a B.S. in Bioresource Research with a soil science minor and a Master’s of Urban and Regional Planning providing a solid foundation in land use, agriculture, and housing.

I work as a Senior Resource Analyst – Wind Energy for Innergex Renewable Energy, I have extensive experience in energy policy, grid reliability, and responsible development, central to Montana’s future.

My interests are numerous: skiing, politics, hiking, camping, and my primary love is fly-fishing – activities that tie me directly to Montana’s outdoor economy. They also speak to my well rounded and relatable personality.

I am chair of the Bozeman Transportation Advisory Board giving keen insight into how federal and state legislation affects safe and desirable local transportation networks. I served on the Executive Committee of the Gallatin County Democrats for 2.5 years. I am deeply committed to meaningful change for Montanans.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

High housing costs are Montana's top issue, affecting recruitment of essential professionals. I support repealing the 2021 ban on inclusionary zoning so local governments can address their own needs, and propose innovative ways to subsidize affordable workforce housing.Montana needs universal healthcare, but in the interim, we should expand access and reduce costs using the state's budget surplus to help residents stay insured through the Affordable Care Act and expanded Medicaid.Regulating data centers is crucial to prevent rising costs for residents. I will advocate for smart siting and oversight to encourage renewable energy growth and grid improvements while maintaining stable rates.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

I am analyst and engineer in the renewable energy industry. I have been buidling wind farms for 18 years. Before that I was a watershed and environmental planner. I have been putting my passion into practice my entire career. Seeing environmental conditions worsen over the past 23+ years, I realize public policy and politics are where meaningful change happens and why I'm running for the legislature.

Montana has some of the best wind, solar and geothermal resources in the country. I will promote policies to encourage their development and strengthen our transmission network. This means good paying jobs, higher tax revenues in rural communities, and lower energy costs. Wind and solar are the cheapest sources of energy. End stop.

Rio Roland did not complete [the profile publisher]'s 2024 Candidate Connection survey.