Tag: Energy / Natural Resources

Daines: We Need to Finalize Cleanup at Montana Superfund Sites, Protect Communities from Asbestos

U.S. SENATE — U.S. Senator Steve Daines today pressed Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Andrew Wheeler at a U.S. Senate Hearing on the need to finalize restoration and cleanup at Montana’s Butte-Silver Bow and Anaconda Smelter Co. Superfund Sites. Daines specifically stressed the need for a natural stream in Butte and for a firm commitment from Wheeler that the Anaconda site will be secure into perpetuity. Download video HERE At the hearing, Daines also pressed Wheeler on the status of EPA’s current risk evaluation of asbestos. “My communities in Montana are eager for progress… we’ve known for a while the dangers

Daines Locks in DOE Commitment on Future of Colstrip

U.S. SENATE – U.S. Senator Steve Daines today in a U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources hearing secured commitment from Department of Energy (DOE) Secretary Rick Perry on investment in the Colstrip Power Plant in Montana. Colstrip is a major driver of good-paying energy jobs for Montanans, and is critical to ensuring Montanans have access to reliable, affordable electricity. Click HERE to download “Colstrip Power Plant in Montana is one of the largest economic drivers… and it is very well suited for DOE investment,” Daines said. Daines pressed Perry, “Could I get your commitment to work with me on ways to accelerate DOE investment to Colstrip?” “Yes sir,” Perry answered. To download the full video

Daines Statement on President Trump’s Keystone XL Presidential Permit

U.S. SENATE – U.S. Senator Steve Daines today issued the following statement following President Trump’s presidential permit on the Keystone XL pipeline.  “President Trump’s announcement today is a big win for Montana and our nation,” Daines said. “After over ten years of review, this pipeline that will create roughly 800 construction jobs and spur millions in revenue for Montana’s rural communities and schools, will finally become a reality. I applaud President Trump for his leadership and commitment in getting this done.”  To read more on the President’s permit today, click HERE.  ###

Daines Rejects Disastrous Green New Deal

U.S. SENATE — U.S. Senator Steve Daines today voted against the disastrous Green New Deal. Daines dismissed the radical proposal as nothing more than a vehicle for socialist policies that would destroy Montana’s economy. “The Green New Deal is a radical, top-down idea that disregards the impacts on hard working Montanans and Americans across our country. Plain and simple, it’s a socialist wish list that has nothing to do with conservation or the environment,” Daines said. “This so called trillion plus dollar “deal” would kill Montana jobs, hurt Montana families, and destroy Montana’s economy. We should be working towards an all of the above energy agenda focused

Daines Delivers Historic Conservation Win for Montana

U.S. SENATE — U.S. Senator Steve Daines today joined President Trump at a bill signing ceremony at the White House for a bill signing ceremony of the bipartisan public lands package, which includes the permanent reauthorization of the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) and the Yellowstone Gateway Protection Act. “What a great day for Montana, a great day for America,” Daines said. “I just came back from the West Wing of the White House, the Oval Office, where I witnessed President Trump sign the lands package. In fact, here’s one of the pens from the signing ceremony that I keep

Daines Urges Forest Service to Restore Access on Public Lands

U.S. SENATE — U.S. Senator Steve Daines sent a letter to the U.S. Forest Service demanding they reconsider proposed mountain bike closures in the Blue Joint and Sapphire Wilderness Study Areas on the Bitterroot National Forest in Montana. “With over $7 billion in consumer spending coming from Montana’s outdoor recreation economy, we should be encouraging adaptive management principles across the Agency that help U.S. Forest Service decision-makers manage different uses across various landscapes, not exclude them,” the letter states. “I am concerned this approach will foster additional closures in areas with historic use and that the greater recreation community will suffer

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: Bipartisan Public Lands Package One Step Closer to Law

U.S. SENATE – U.S. Senator Steve Daines today applauded the House passage of the bipartisan public lands package, which includes permanent reauthorization of the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) and the Yellowstone Gateway Protection Act. “This bipartisan public lands package is a historic win for conservation in Montana and across our nation, and after today, it’s one step closer to becoming law,” Daines said. “I’m very glad to see the House pass this important package to help protect our public lands for generations to come, and I look forward to President Trump signing it into law.”Download Audio of Statement

Forest Service Responds to Daines’ Demands to Expedite Salvage Projects

U.S. SENATE —U.S. Senator Steve Daines today released comprehensive data on recent forest salvage and restoration projects that have taken place due to Daines’ efforts and the efforts of local elected officials and forest collaboratives. The projects will help reduce the risk of catastrophic wildfire and create jobs for Montanans. “Last year’s wildfires were devastating for Montana’s communities and forests. Our state and towns were covered with smoke for weeks at a time, and our once flourishing forests turned into tinderboxes,” Daines said. “I’m thankful that the Forest Service has responded to my request – and the request of local communities – to complete

Daines: Democrats Blocking Funding for Water, Infrastructure Projects is Shameful

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Senator Steve Daines today slammed Senate Democrats for blocking the FY2016 Energy and Water Development Appropriations Bill, which funds critical infrastructure projects administered by the Army Corps of Engineers and Bureau of Reclamation – including Montana rural water projects.  “Despite the vast majority of Democrats supporting this bill during an Appropriations Committee vote this summer, once again Democrats have chosen to block legislation that protects Montanans’ interests and strengthens our national security through increased energy and water security,” Daines stated. “This legislation works to enhance our energy efficiency while funding important projects that modernize our nation’s energy and water infrastructure. It’s