Category: News Article

Senator Steve Daines is spending the next two weeks highlighting the energy needs of Montana businesses, and advocating for policies that protect the state’s fossil fuel industries, including coal interests that are facing significant challenges. Daines kicked off what he’s calling his Montana Energy tour today with a stop at the CHS refinery in Laurel. CHS Refinery Manager Pat Kimmet puts into perspective how important electricity is to the Laurel facility. “$18 million for power and $15 million for wages and benefits.” “And the fact that their power bill here in Laurel, Montana for this operation is greater than their

With the future of the Colstrip Power Plants now in question, Montana’s U.S. Sen. Steve Daines is taking his energy fight on the road on a statewide tour to promote what he calls “Made-in-Montana Energy.” The Republican Senator kicked off his 10 city tour Monday in Laurel at the CHS Refinery. “This refinery relies on Colstrip for its electricity. Sixty percent of the electricity of this refinery comes from Colstrip, so I think it also highlights the importance of Colstrip and the coal industry here in the state,” said Daines. Daines said his goal is to underscore the importance of Montana’s energy and how losing Colstrip will

Sen. Steve Daines (R-Montana) is set to host a conference discussing the future of energy in the treasure state. Energy is big business in Montana, but the future of the industry is less certain than it has been in a long time.  “It’s not just about our state,” says Sen. Daines. “It’s how our state can have an impact on the entire nation and the world.” Montana Energy 2016 kicks off in a week. The meeting will take place in Billings and look at the state’s energy potential with fresh perspectives from energy experts. “I think we need more ‘made

A full schedule is available at www.montanaenergy.net . The panelists and speakers have been set for one of Montana’s largest energy industry trade meetings, held March 29 to March 31 at the Radisson Hotel in Billings. U.S. Sen. Steve Daines, R-Mont., announced Friday the panel lineup for the three-day conference, which will features leaders in industry and government. Eight panel sessions will be held, covering infrastructure needs, energy policy, renewables, export markets, research and education, wholesale energy markets and transmission, energy innovation and jobs. Another 11 keynote speakers will give talks, including U.S. Rep. Ryan Zinke, R-Mont., Crow Nation Chairman Darrin Old

Last month, Rep. Ryan Zinke requested funds to acquire new helicopters at Malmstrom Airforce Base. During that time in a House Armed Services Committee hearing, Zinke pressed Admiral Cecil Haney about the use of out-of-date Huey helos at Malmstrom. “From talking to folks on the ground [at Malmstrom] and looking at it, and I concur, these are aging helicopters as well as they don’t have the lift and capacity. If they do get an alert situation, they just don’t have the hover time for the distances in Montana and I assume, Minot,” Zinke saidd. “Congressman, absolutely,” Haney said. “The Air Force

It’s been just weeks since Zeesy Bruk was appointed the 2016 Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals Champion Child from the state of Montana. Yet already, the 5-year-old child of Rabbi Chaim and Chavie Bruk, co-directors of Chabad-Lubavitch of Montana, has been hailed by fans near and far, including U.S. Sen. Steve Daines (R-Mont.), who released a video statement in which he called her a “very special” and “very courageous” little girl. Since birth, Zeesy has battled a rare genetic metabolic disorder characterized by the deficiency of a protein required for glucose to cross the blood-brain barrier, something that was only recently diagnosed and is now

Members of the Montana congressional delegation are pressing the Air Force to make a decision regarding the planned replacement of the UH-1N Hueys flown at missile bases, including Malmstrom Air Force Base. Last week, Rep. Ryan Zinke sent a letter, with 14 other lawmakers, to the House Armed Services Committee and House Appropriations Defense Subcommittee requesting that funds be included in the fiscal year 2017 defense appropriations and authorization bills to replace the Hueys. The Hueys at Malmstrom are flown by the 40th Helicopter Squadron, which is part of Air Force Global Strike’s 582nd Helicopter Group. The group includes the

Hamilton’s Caitlin Gillespie has been appointed to the U.S. Air Force Academy. She had been nominated by all three Montana Congressmen earlier. Caitlin, a senior at Hamilton High School, already has completed her first solo flight as a pilot (see photo) and will continue to head to the sky with classes at the academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado. She has been captain of track and basketball teams, is an honor student and is a delegate to American Legion’s Girls State. Senator Steve Daines said in a news release, “I was proud to personally congratulate Caitlin on her appointment to the

Oil and gas may be in a downturn, but communities in the area continue to make positive strides forward when it comes to regional development and infrastructure. One of those strides could include a new Amtrak stop in Culbertson. Amtrak officials have confirmed they have been evaluating the neighboring community for a stop for about three years now. “We know that it makes business sense to stop at Culbertson,” said Marc Magliari, a spokesman with Amtrak. “There’s a long distance between Wolf Point and Williston. Where we are now is talking with Culbertson about where the stop would be. It

A self-driving car can’t get you out of a traffic jam. That’s something Republican Sen. John Thune learned from the passenger seat of a modified Chrysler 300c from Continental on Tuesday as the Senate Commerce Committee explored autonomous driving technology. “We went out into Virginia. Of course we hit the 395 traffic,” said Thune, R-S.D., who is the committee chairman, referring to the interstate heading south from Washington. “Evidently driverless cars are not going to help our traffic jams.” Once the car reached suburban Arlington, it switched into self-driving mode. “It’s really amazing, just way more than I’ve seen or thought possible,”