As a fifth-generation Montanan, I know the importance our state’s natural resources to our way of life. Natural Resources are an engine to our economy and to job creation. Our pristine glacial peaks and rivers, vibrant forests, wide-open spaces, and rich mineral and energy deposits earn beautiful Montana its name—the Treasure State.
As a member of the Energy and Natural Resources Committee, I will continue to work to preserve Montana’s way of life by encouraging responsible environmental stewardship as we continue to develop our natural resources.
In addition, I support an all-of-the-above approach to securing not just American energy independence, but American energy dominance. That includes alternative sources of energy—hydropower, wind, biomass, and solar—along with coal, oil, and natural gas. Montana will continue to lead the way through promoting exploration and sustained development of the Bakken oil shale, continuing to lead in domestic coal production, and expanding our renewable energy production. Montana is setting an example of how domestic energy development can be done in a responsible manner to reduce our dependence on foreign energy while sustaining our resources for generations to come.
Daines’ Bill Ensuring Clean Water for Crow Tribe Passes U.S. Senate, Heads to President’s Desk
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Steve Daines today announced that his bill, the Crow Tribe Water Rights Settlement Amendments Act, passed the U.S. Senate and now heads to the President’s desk to be signed in the law. The bill passed the U.S. House last week, led by Representative Troy Downing. “This bill is a necessity for the Crow Tribe and surrounding communities and will ensure the tribe has the resources they need to deliver safe, reliable access to clean water to the reservation and complete a hydropower project to bring new baseload generation to the region. I’m grateful for Representative Downing’s work
ICYMI: Daines Op-Ed in the Washington Times: Montana energy is back and better than ever
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Steve Daines penned an op-ed for the Washington Times reflecting on Montana’s energy wins during his time in the U.S. Senate. Read it below. Montana energy is back and better than ever Senator Steve Daines Washington Times September 24, 2026 Montana is famous for world-class fly fishing, and some of America’s greatest national parks. But Montana is also rich in natural resources. Our energy sector provides thousands of jobs and contributes millions to our economy, which is why bolstering Made-In-Montana energy has been a priority of mine. As I reflect on my tenure in the Senate, I
Daines Urges Colleagues to Support Clean Water Infrastructure in Montana
“These samples aren’t from third-world countries. They’re coming out of faucets in Montana” WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Steve Daines today spoke in a Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee hearing where he discussed his bill to bring clean drinking water to eastern Montana and reform the hydropower licensing process. Watch the full exchange HERE. Daines on the “Dry Redwater Regional Water Authorization Act:” The “Dry Red Water Regional Water Authorization Act” will authorize the construction of critical water systems in eastern Montana. In fact, back in 2020, Congress passed my bill for the Bureau of Reclamation to complete a feasibility study
Daines, Cortez Masto Bill to Bolster Made-In-America Hydropower Passes U.S. Senate, Heads to President’s Desk
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Steve Daines (R-Mont.) and Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) today announced that their bill, the “Hydropower Licensing Transparency Act,” has passed the U.S. Senate and now heads to the President’s desk to be signed into law. “This is a huge win for Montana and the entire country. Hydropower is an affordable, reliable source of baseload power that is necessary to meet the growing demand for U.S. energy. This bill will help shed light on much-needed reforms to improve the licensing process and reduce the permitting backlog, and I’m glad to have worked with Senator Cortez Masto to get
Daines, Downing Bill Protecting Rural Water Infrastructure Passes U.S. Senate, Heads to President’s Desk
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Steve Daines and Representative Troy Downing today announced that their bill to reauthorize the Fort Peck Reservation Rural Water System Act passed the U.S. Senate, and will now head to the President’s desk, where it is expected to be signed into law. “This is huge news for northeast Montana! Access to safe and reliable water infrastructure is an absolute necessity, and reauthorizing the Fort Peck Reservation Rural Water System Act will help provide clean water for Montana communities. Thank you Representative Downing for your work to get this through the U.S. House- now let’s get it signed into
On the Park Service’s 110th Birthday, Daines, King Lead Resolution Celebrating National Park Week
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Steve Daines (R-Mont.) and Angus King (I-Maine) today announced the passage of their resolution celebrating the week of August 22nd through August 30th, 2026 as “National Park Week.” “America’s national parks are true national treasures worth protecting. I’m thrilled to commemorate this week as National Park Week with Senator King. These parks are America’s crown jewels, and we will cherish them for generations to come,” said Daines. “From the rocky coasts of Acadia to the breathtaking canyons of Zion, America’s national parks hold some of our nation’s most treasured landscapes and inspire people from around the world by the majesty
Daines, Risch, Murkowski Lead Efforts to Bolster Made-In-America Hydropower
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Steve Daines (R-Mont.), Jim Risch (R-Idaho) and Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) today introduced the “Hydropower Licensing Affordability Act.” This bill will reform the Federal Power Act to reduce delays and costs of hydropower licensing. Specifically, the bill would limit Section 4 (e) and Section 18 mandatory conditioning of hydropower licenses under the Federal Power Act to those conditions that are related to “direct adverse effects” of the project. “Hydropower is a growing source of power in both Montana and across the nation. The demand for U.S. energy is increasing every year, and we need to do everything we
Daines Chairs Final National Parks Subcommittee Hearing: “Our National Parks and Public Lands Have a Special Place in My Heart”
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Steve Daines today chaired his final National Parks Subcommittee hearing, after a decade of serving as co-chair. In the hearing he discussed the America Battlefield Protection Program Amendment Act and the importance of preserving Montana battlefields from the Great Sioux and Nez Perce Wars. Watch Daines’ opening remarks HERE. Daines’ opening remarks: Today’s hearing marks my 22nd as Chairman or Ranking Member. And as Senator King and I always say, we are co-chairs of this committee. No matter which way the gavel falls in the U.S. Senate, and we’ve seen it go both ways, Angus, we are
Daines, Hassan, Goodlander, Miller Introduce Bill to Bolster Made-In-America Hydropower
Standardizes Review Procedures for Hydropower Licenses WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Steve Daines (R-Mont.) and Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.), as well as Representatives Maggie Goodlander (D-N.H.-2) and Carol Miller (R-W.V.-01) today introduced bipartisan legislation to standardize the process for hydropower licenses at Army Corps of Engineers dams under Section 408 to ensure a uniform and consistent application and review process across districts. “Hydropower is an increasingly important source of electricity in the U.S., and provides Montana’s second-largest source of electricity generation. As we prepare to meet the expected surge in demand for energy in the coming decades, we need to ensure the licensing