Tag: Economy

Senate Western Caucus Applauds Andrew Wheeler’s Confirmation as EPA Administrator

U.S. SENATE – Today, U.S. Senate Western Caucus Chairman Steve Daines (Mont.) and Caucus Members Senators Mike Rounds (S.D.), Jim Inhofe (Okla.), Pat Roberts (Kan.), John Boozman (Ark.), John Barrasso (Wyo.) celebrated the confirmation of Andrew Wheeler as Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). “Having worked with Administrator Wheeler both in Montana and DC, he takes a commonsense approach to solving issues important to Montana and other states,” Daines said. “I look forward to continuing to partner with Administrator Wheeler to protect our environment in Montana, finalize and clean up our superfund sites in Butte, Anaconda, Libby and other

Daines Named ‘Hero of Main Street’

U.S. SENATE — U.S. Senator Steve Daines today announced that he has received the “Hero of Main Street” award from the National Retail Federation for his support of legislation critical to the retail industry. Daines is part of a bipartisan group honored for their support of a wide range of issues including international trade, infrastructure investment, tax reform and labor issues.  “I’m proud to be recognized for my efforts supporting local Montana business owners that create good-paying jobs,” Daines stated.   “Senator Daines has shown through his support that he cares about retailers big and small, and values the role these businesses play

Daines Makes Important Gains for Montana Farmers and Ranchers

U.S. SENATE — U.S. Senator Steve Daines today secured key provisions for Montana farmers and ranchers.  “As a steadfast champion of our state’s number one industry, I work everyday to ensure that our farmers and ranchers are being heard and well represented,” Daines stated. “I was able to secure important provisions to sustain funding for initiatives to help farmers and ranchers with loans, help stop diseases that are encroaching our forests and expand employment opportunities for veterans in agriculture.”  “The Montana Grain Growers Association thanks Sen. Daines’ for protecting the ARS Insect Research Unit in Sidney and for his efforts to secure increased funding for the

Daines Introduces Timber Innovation Act

U.S. SENATE – Senator Steve Daines today joined a group of bipartisan Senators in support of a bill that would help accelerate research and development of tall wood buildings in the United States.   The Timber Innovation Act will focus on finding innovative ways to use wood in the construction of buildings above 85 feet in height or roughly seven or more stories.   “Innovative technology is creating new markets for Montana’s abundance of wood,” Daines stated. “I’m proud to champion legislation that will create jobs in Montana by encouraging the increased use of wood in tall buildings, which is an exciting opportunity for

Daines Calls on Interior Secretary Jewell to Visit Colstrip, Crow Reservation During Upcoming Travel to Montana

U.S. SENATE —Senator Steve Daines today called on Department of Interior Secretary Sally Jewell to tour Colstrip and the Crow Reservation during her upcoming travel to Montana. “Secretary Jewell needs to hear directly from the people impacted by Interior’s actions and come to communities like Colstrip and the Crow Reservation to see what it means for Montana families,” Daines stated. “We’ve already seen layoffs in coal communities across our state as a result of the Obama administration’s war on coal. I encourage Secretary Jewell to meet with folks in Colstrip and the Crow tribe to hear directly from them about the impact of

Montana Receives Almost $900,000 for Local LWCF Projects

U.S. SENATE – Senator Steve Daines today announced that Montana will receive $896,436 in fiscal year 2016 stateside funding from the United States Department of Interior (DOI) Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) to support conservation and recreation projects in local communities.  “Like so many Montanans, I know firsthand that hunting, fishing and access to public lands is part of our way of life and the LWCF is an important and successful tool that expands access and increase recreational opportunities on our public land,” said Daines, Montana’s only member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee. “I’m pleased that Montana will

Daines Applauds Permit Extension of Lower Yellowstone Intake Irrigation Project

U.S. SENATE — Following a request from Senator Steve Daines, the Army Corps of Engineers today announced their plans to extend the permit for the Lower Yellowstone Irrigation Project. “The Lower Yellowstone Irrigation Project is critical to irrigate over 50,000 acres of cropland as planting season gets underway,” Daines stated. “Our hardworking farmers and ranchers don’t deserve any undue economic burdens. It’s great to see the government prioritize this essential source of water for our farmers, ranchers and communities throughout northeastern Montana.” In September, Daines led the Montana and North Dakota Congressional delegations in urging the Army Corps of Engineers and the Bureau of Reclamation to

Daines Statement on Arch Coal’s Announcement to Suspend Efforts to Obtain Otter Creek Mining Permit

U.S. SENATE — Senator Steve Daines today released the following statement in response to Arch Coal, Inc.’s announcement that it will suspend efforts to obtain a mining permit for the Otter Creek coal reserves near Ashland, Montana:  “Arch Coal’s suspension of its pursuit of a permit for the Otter Creek Mine is a devastating loss for Montana’s economy and schools – for jobs, tax revenues and made-in-Montana energy. This decision is an unfortunate repercussion of President Obama’s all-fronts assault on domestic energy production. I’ll continue to do everything I can to support Montana’s coal industry and defend the jobs and livelihoods

Daines Calls on USDA to Expand Veterans’ Employment Opportunities to Montana

U.S. SENATE —Senator Steve Daines today called on the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to expand their Bridges to Opportunity Program to Montana to help increase veterans’ employment opportunities in agriculture.  The Bridges to Opportunity Program this week announced its partnership with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce “Hiring Our Heroes” program, which is a nationwide initiative to help veterans find meaningful and available work opportunities.   In a letter to USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack, Daines urged the Secretary to work to ensure the Department expands their efforts to Montana to help serve the state’s almost 100,000 veterans.  “I urgently request you to ensure these efforts

Daines Presses Kerry on Coal

U.S. SENATE — Senator Steve Daines today pressed the Obama administration on their anti-coal, anti-energy policies and emphasized the important role that innovation holds in America’s energy future.   During this afternoon’s Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on State, Foreign Operations and Related Programs hearing, Daines pressed Secretary of State John Kerry on the Obama administration’s failure to take into account the effect of anti-energy policies on hardworking Montana families including the disastrous effects to tribal and union jobs. Under Daines’ questioning, Kerry acknowledged that coal will continue to be an “energy of choice” because it is affordable. Click here to watch Daines’ remarks. Click here to