Daines Promotes Coal as Part of ‘All of the Above’ Energy Plan

Montana Senator Steve Daines will be hosting his second Montana Energy Summit in Billings, set for May 30 and 31, where attendees will discuss Montanan’s energy infrastructure and the good paying jobs that the industry creates.

At a Senate committee hearing this week, Daines promoted Montana coal as part of an ‘all-of-the-above’ energy strategy for the west and the entire country.

“One critical piece of our energy infrastructure in Montana and across the Pacific Northwest is the Colstrip Power Plant—supports about 750 direct jobs and generates enough power for about 1.7 million homes and businesses across Montana and the Pacific Northwest,” Daines said. “Through heavy-handed environmental regulation, litigation and some state policies the future of this plant is at risk. I understand that, while a lot of coal fired generation has retired in recent years, New England had to rely on its existing coal and oil fired generation for this winter event. And, as more states’ energy mixes are changing towards more renewable generation due to policies and so forth, I remain convinced that we must find ways to keep a diverse, all-of-the-above energy mix in this nation, especially during these times of peak load.”

In 2017, Daines asked Energy Secretary Rick Perry to protect the Colstrip coal-fired power plant, as well as contacting EPA administrator Scott Pruitt about the importance of the facility to Montana and the West.