Senator Daines has moved up in seniority on the U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee. As an avid hunter and outdoorsman, Senator Daines is committed to increasing public access to public lands for all Montanans, fostering locally driven common-sense conservation and advocating for high paying wages in Montana’s energy, mining, and forestry sectors. Senator Daines prioritizes strengthening Montana’s rich and balanced energy portfolio that includes coal, hydro-electric, natural gas, wind, solar and biomass. Daines also pushes for sustainable, science based active forest management legislative reforms and policies to prevent catastrophic wildfires, restore active management, create healthy forests, protect wood product careers, and protect wildlife habitats and watersheds jobs in Montana.
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
Daines Introduces Rural Water Projects Legislation
U.S. SENATE —U.S. Senator Steve Daines today introduced legislation that would move Montana rural water projects forward and ensure the completion of authorized projects across Montana. The Western Water Supply and Planning Enhancement Act is a bill that would help improve the efficiency of existing water supply infrastructure, ease the regulatory burden on new projects and protect water rights that are critical to the prosperity of the western United States. The bill also accelerates implementation of Montana-made forest management projects that enhance watersheds and reduce the risk of wildfires. “If I told you that today, over 22,000 Montanans lack access to a steady supply
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 Travels to Alaska for Senate Energy Field Hearing
U.S. SENATE — This week, Senator Steve Daines traveled to Alaska to participate in a Senate Energy and Natural Resources field hearing to examine opportunities for innovation in America’s energy industry. Daines was joined by Senators Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), John Barrasso (R-WY), Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) and Angus King (I-ME), in addition to U.S. Secretary of Energy Ernest Moniz, who testified at the hearing. Daines with Murkowski as they prepare to head out from Anchorage to Bethel, Alaska. Click here to watch. Daines, Moniz and fellow senators traveled to Bethel, Alaska where the field hearing would be held. Click here to watch.
Daines Highlights Key Reforms in Major Senate Energy Legislation
“We can’t fully discuss our nation’s energy future without also addressing the President’s moratorium on new federal coal leases and royalty increase attempts for federal coal, oil and natural gas.” WASHINGTON, D.C. — Senator Steve Daines took to the Senate floor to highlight important provisions contained in the Energy Policy Modernization Act of 2016, the first major energy policy legislation debated in the Senate since 2007. This key legislation will help expand Montana energy production, permanently reauthorize the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) and rein in the Obama administration’s overreaching anti-energy regulations. Click here to download Daines’ remarks. Click here to watch Daines’ remarks. Today, the
Daines to Lead Montana Energy 2016
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Senator Steve Daines announced that he will be spearheading Montana Energy 2016 in Billings this upcoming spring. The summit, sponsored by Daines, the Montana Contractors’ Association, the Montana Coal Council, the Montana Petroleum Association, the Montana Chamber Foundation and KLJ, will take place in Billings, Montana on March 30 and 31, 2016. “Montana holds a vital role in securing our nation’s all-of-the-above energy strategy and it’s vital that we work together to ensure our state remains an energy leader for years to come,” Daines stated. “Montana Energy 2016 will bring together key stakeholders to help increase innovation and move Montana’s energy opportunities to
Daines to Lead Montana Energy 2016
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Senator Steve Daines announced that he will be spearheading Montana Energy 2016 in Billings this upcoming spring. The summit, sponsored by Daines, the Montana Contractors’ Association, the Montana Coal Council, the Montana Petroleum Association, the Montana Chamber Foundation and KLJ, will take place in Billings, Montana on March 30 and 31, 2016. “Montana holds a vital role in securing our nation’s all-of-the-above energy strategy and it’s vital that we work together to ensure our state remains an energy leader for years to come,” Daines stated. “Montana Energy 2016 will bring together key stakeholders to help increase innovation and move Montana’s energy opportunities to
Daines Helps Move Forward Key Legislation to Reauthorize LWCF, Expand Access to Public Lands
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Senator Steve Daines today helped move forward critical bipartisan solutions to permanently reauthorize the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) and protect and preserve Montana’s outdoors heritage. The Bipartisan Sportsmen’s Act of 2015 passed out of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee this morning on a large bipartisan vote. This bill promotes and protects access to Montana’s public lands and increases recreational opportunities for hunters and anglers. Additionally, the Bipartisan Sportsmen’s Act of 2015 would shine a light on how the Equal Access to Justice Act (EAJA) payments are empowering obstructionists who frequently litigate forest management projects in Montana and the
Daines: We Need Forest Management Reform
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Senator Steve Daines today fervently implored his Senate colleagues to take long-needed action and move forward bipartisan legislation that includes both a solution for wildfire funding and responsible forest management reforms. Click here to watch Daines’ remarks. Click here to download Daines’ remarks. During a Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee hearing on wildfire management strategies, Daines reiterated the need for comprehensive, bipartisan solutions that address the wildfire funding challenges facing the Forest Service, implement litigation reforms and improve the health of the National Forest system through increased active forest management. “I urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle, let’s come