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Tag: Energy

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

May 12, 2016

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

March 31, 2016

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

March 25, 2016

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

March 15, 2016

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

March 10, 2016

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 Presses Kerry on Coal

February 24, 2016

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

Daines Grills Interior Secretary Jewell on Coal Leasing Moratorium

February 23, 2016

U.S. SENATE — Senator Steve Daines today pressed the Department of Interior on their proposed review of the coal leasing program and the unwarranted moratorium on coal leasing. During this morning’s Senate Energy and Natural Resources hearing on the Department of Interior’s Fiscal Year 2017 budget request, Daines demanded answers from Interior Secretary Sally Jewell regarding the decision to place a moratorium on new coal leasing and for certainty in the Department’s plan.   “In Montana, we do see the moratorium on coal leasing as a direct assault on our state,” Daines stated. “Our state relies on production of coal, including federal coal,

Daines Joins 34 Senators, 171 Representatives in Filing Amicus Brief, Urge Circuit Court to Block EPA Attempt to Transform the Nation’s Electricity Sector

February 23, 2016

U.S. SENATE — Senator Steve Daines today joined 34 Senators and 171 House Members in filing an amicus brief in the case of State of West Virginia, et al. v. Environmental Protection Agency, et al. The bipartisan amicus brief is in support of petitions filed by 27 states, including Montana, seeking to overturn the EPA final rule identified as the Carbon Pollution Emission Guidelines for Existing Stationary Sources: Electric Utility Generating Units, EPA-HQ-OAR-2013-0602, 80 Fed. Reg. 64,662 (Oct. 23, 2015), also known as the “Clean Power Plan.”  A copy of the brief can be found here.  As Senators and Representatives duly elected to serve in the Congress of the

Daines Travels to Alaska for Senate Energy Field Hearing

February 17, 2016

 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 Slams President Obama’s Plan to Raise Energy Taxes on Montana Families

February 5, 2016

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Senator Steve Daines today slammed President Obama’s proposal to place a $10 tax on every barrel of oil—marking a 30 percent tax on oil at current prices.  “This is yet another step in President Obama’s anti-energy agenda and further proof that he’s more concerned about cementing his failed legacy than standing with the hardworking Montana families who will be directly hit by these senseless policies,” Daines stated. “We should be encouraging American innovation and energy independence—not placing more regulatory barriers and financial obstacles to it. I have no doubt that this 30 percent tax will face tough bipartisan opposition in