Tag: Energy

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

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, Zinke Introduce Legislation to Give States & Tribes Say in Energy Development

U.S. CONGRESS — U.S. Senator Steve Daines and U.S. Representative Ryan Zinke today introduced bicameral legislation to protect Montana coal jobs from the Obama administration’s recent moratorium on new federal coal leases and ensure that states and tribes have a significant voice in any changes to federal coal, oil, gas royalties or leasing policy. The Certainty for States and Tribes Act, S.2938 and H.R. 5259, provides critical flexibility needed to keep Montana mines open, protect thousands of good-paying jobs and provide needed support for government and community services.  “The Obama administration has completely ignored the will and well-being of Montanans and

Daines Hails Passage of Legislation to Improve Montana’s Energy Future

U.S. SENATE —U.S. Senator Steve Daines today hailed the passage of bipartisan legislation that works to improve the future of Montana energy. “I’m proud to see the passage of bipartisan legislation that protects Montana energy jobs, is critical to irrigate over 50,000 acres of cropland in the eastern part of our state and strengthens rural water systems that serve tens of thousands of Montana families,” Daines stated. “I’m working to provide certainty for our farmers, ranchers and communities by reducing bureaucratic red tape.” Click here to watch Daines’ statement. Click here to download Daines’ statement.  The Senate today passed the FY 2017 Energy and Water Development Appropriations Act

Daines Response to Governor Inslee’s Intention to Sign Legislation Putting Colstrip at Risk

U.S. SENATE — Senator Steve Daines today released the following statement after Governor Jay Inslee (D-WA) announced his intentions to sign legislation that paves the way for the eventual shutdown of two coal-fired electricity units at Colstrip. “It’s too bad that Governor Inslee had to cancel his recent trip to Montana,” Daines stated. “If Governor Inslee saw the devastating impact this legislation will have on hardworking Montana families perhaps he would have reconsidered. The reality is, his signature paves the way for the eventual closure of two units of Colstrip putting Montanans out of jobs and raising energy costs for families.” Daines just

Daines’ Statewide Made-in-Montana Energy Tour

Save Montana Energy, Save Montana Jobs U.S. SENATE — Senator Steve Daines this week stopped in ten-cities across Montana on his statewide tour to promote made-in-Montana energy and the good-paying jobs it supports. Daines’ tour included stops in Laurel, Colstrip, Miles City, Baker, Glendive, Sidney, Great Falls, Missoula, Helena and Butte. “Montana is truly an all-of-the-above energy state – we have significant coal and natural gas deposits, oil, hydro, wind, solar and biomass that powers Montana and the country.  And it’s all right here in our back yard– right here in Montana,” Daines stated. “It was a great week speaking with hundreds of Montanans who are coming

Daines Applauds House Passage of Legislation to Expand Montana Hydro

U.S. SENATE — Senator Steve Daines today applauded the House of Representative’s passage of legislation to ensure the completion of two hydroelectric facilities in Montana.   The legislation would provide for the reinstatement and three-year extension of a Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) license for Clark Canyon Dam Hydro Project in Dillon, Montana and a six-year extension of the FERC license for the Gibson Dam Hydro Project near Augusta, Montana. “The Gibson Dam and Clark Canyon Dam are two projects that are critical for tax revenue and jobs in Montana communities,” Daines stated. “I’m excited to see bipartisan support for the completion of made-in

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