As a fifth-generation Montanan, I know the importance our state’s natural resources to our way of life. Natural Resources are an engine to our economy and to job creation. Our pristine glacial peaks and rivers, vibrant forests, wide-open spaces, and rich mineral and energy deposits earn beautiful Montana its name—the Treasure State.
As a member of the Energy and Natural Resources Committee, I will continue to work to preserve Montana’s way of life by encouraging responsible environmental stewardship as we continue to develop our natural resources.
In addition, I support an all-of-the-above approach to securing not just American energy independence, but American energy dominance. That includes alternative sources of energy—hydropower, wind, biomass, and solar—along with coal, oil, and natural gas. Montana will continue to lead the way through promoting exploration and sustained development of the Bakken oil shale, continuing to lead in domestic coal production, and expanding our renewable energy production. Montana is setting an example of how domestic energy development can be done in a responsible manner to reduce our dependence on foreign energy while sustaining our resources for generations to come.
Daines Expresses Concern Over Proposed Flood Maps for Choteau
Sends letter to FEMA outlining negative economic impacts of new maps U.S. SENATE – U.S. Senator Steve Daines sent a letter to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) highlighting the negative economic impacts that the proposed flood maps for the Teton River would have on Choteau, Montana. “The provisional maps presented to the public for comment in November included considerable expansions of the acreage and number of structures within the floodplain. As a result, homes, businesses, and development in these areas would be subject to costly flood insurance requirements, local floodplain regulations, and a lengthy permit process for construction or renovation.
Daines’ Bipartisan Bill to Complete Continental Divide Trail One Step Closer to Becoming Law
Bill Passes Out of Senate Committee with Strong Bipartisan Support U.S. SENATE – U.S. Senator Steve Daines spoke at a Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee hearing following the passage of his bipartisan “Continental Divide Trail Completion Act.” The bill directs the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Secretary of the U.S. Department of the Interior to prioritize completion of the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail (CDT) by the trail’s 50th anniversary in 2028. Watch and download Daines’ opening remarks HERE. “This is an important bill. It’s going to help spur recreation, economic development, grow new jobs, as well as helping our
Daines Doubles Down on Opposition to Biden Administration’s Attempts to Breach Snake River Dams
U.S. SENATE – U.S. Senator Steve Daines released the following statement after the Biden administration’s Columbia River Basin announcement to explore ways to replace the power, transportation and agriculture assets in preparation for potential breaching of the Snake River dams. “Congress has the authority to remove dams—not Washington bureaucrats, radical judges or the Biden administration,” Daines said. “The Snake River dams support Montana agriculture, provide a source of clean, reliable energy, help support recreation activities and provide critical transportation. This agreement reached behind closed doors leaves out the Montanans who rely on these dams and is a desperate attempt to appease fringe environmental groups. I remain firmly opposed
Daines Leads Bill to Unleash American Energy
Bill Mandates Onshore and Offshore Oil and Gas Lease Sales U.S. SENATE – U.S. Senator Steve Daines led his Senate Republican colleagues in introducing the “Supporting Made in America Energy Act” to ensure that the United States maintains and grows its energy independence by supporting Made in America energy. The bill bolsters energy indepencence by requiring the Department of the Interior (DOI) to hold four onshore oil and gas lease sales in the top oil and gas producing states as well as requiring two offshore oil and gas lease sales in each available area in the Gulf of Mexico and Alaska.
Daines Pushes Biden Admin to Commit to Keeping Montana Mines Open
Bull Mountains, Rosebud, Spring Creek Mines Set to Close Because Admin Dragging Feet on Environmental Reviews U.S. SENATE – U.S. Senator Steve Daines at a Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee hearing pushed President Biden’s Deputy Director of the Office of Surface Mining, Reclamation and Enforcement (OSM) on the delayed environmental reviews for three Montana coal mines Watch Daines’ full remarks and questioning HERE. “Deputy Director Owens, the Office of Surface Mining is required by a court order to complete environmental reviews for three major Montana coal mines. For all three mines, OSM set deadlines for the completion of the environmental reviews and in each
Daines, Lankford Introduce Bill to Streamline Ability to Hire Wildland Firefighters
U.S. SENATE – U.S. Senators Steve Daines (R-Mont.) and James Lankford (R-Okla.) introduced the “Direct Hire to Fight Fires Act” that would provide the Forest Service and the Department of the Interior (DOI) permanent Direct Hire Authority to streamline the hiring process for skilled personnel in the firefighting or firefighting support capacity. The bill also directs the Forest Service and DOI to identify policies and propose changes to reduce the time and complexity of hiring wildland firefighters and support personnel. “Year after year, our Montana communities are devastated by wildfires and our brave firefighters’ response to these fires protects lives and our public
At Senate Hearing, Daines Slams Biden Anti-Energy Policies for Killing Montana Jobs, Hurting Rural Communities
Calls Out Administration for Radical Rules That Would Shut Down Colstrip Power Plant U.S. SENATE – U.S. Senator Steve Daines at a Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee hearing slammed the Biden administration for their anti-energy policies that are hurting America’s national security and devastating Montana jobs. Daines called attention to Biden administration rules that would force Colstrip Power Plant to close and asked a Biden official about Montana’s grid reliability. Watch Daines’ full remarks HERE. Senator Daines on the Biden administration’s attack on made-in-America energy: Watch Daines’ opening remarks HERE. Senator Daines: Chairman, thank you. Ranking Member Brasso, thank you as well. Since taking
Daines on Biden Administration’s Energy Agenda: “Replacing American Made Oil and Gas with Chinese batteries”
To watch Daines’ remarks, click HERE. U.S. SENATE – U.S. Senator Steve Daines today delivered remarks at the weekly Republican Senate Leadership press conference slamming Department of Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm’s recent failed electric vehicle tour and the Biden administration’s anti-energy agenda. “Senator Ernst talked about the Secretary of Energy’s challenges she had on her green energy tour most recently, and I think it demonstrates just how unrealistic the Democrats and this Administration’s green hallucination really is. “You look at a state like Montana, we get a lot of windshield time in Montana traveling long distances. It’s farmers, it’s ranchers, it’s truckers or just folks going
Daines Applauds Decision to Protect Natural and Cultural Resources of the Blackfeet Nation
Final Oil and Gas Lease in Badger-Two Medicine Area Relinquished U.S. SENATE – U.S. Senator Steve Daines today issued the following statement after the U.S. Departments of the Interior (DOI) and Agriculture (USDA) announced that the final federal oil and gas lease in the Badger-Two Medicine area will be relinquished in order to ensure the natural and cultural resources of the Blackfeet Nation are protected. “I’m glad to see a solution that all parties were able to agree on to ensure this land that holds such significant cultural and spiritual importance to the Blackfeet Nation is protected. Decades in the making, this agreement will help generations to come