“Vital” that Montana remains energy leader, Daines says

The upcoming Montana Energy 2016 will be spearheaded by Sen. Steve Daines (R-MT), the senator announced on Monday.

Montana Energy 2016 will serve as the largest venue for the discussion of the state’s energy potential. The conference will center on discussion about state and national energy opportunities and provide an in-depth look at Montana’s energy potential.

“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 said. “Montana Energy 2016 will bring together key stakeholders to help increase innovation and move Montana’s energy opportunities to the next level. Montana can help power the world – but only if we work together to increase opportunity and limit efforts to hinder any part of Montana’s diverse energy portfolio. Through Montana Energy 2016, we will keep Montana at the forefront of the nation’s energy conversation.”

Montana Energy 2016, which will take place on March 30 and March 31 in Billings, will be sponsored by Daines, the Montana Contractors’ Association, the Montana Coal Council, the Montana Petroleum Association, the Montana Chamber Foundation and KLJ.

Daines, a member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, has long supported policies to aid in securing all-of-the-above energy solutions. He is a leading Keystone XL pipeline proponent and has sponsored legislation that would lift the oil export ban.

Daines is also helping to lead legislative efforts to fight back against regulations that would hurt the energy potential of Montana, including new regulations on coal-fired plants from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). According to a University of Montana Bureau of Business and Economic Research study, the new EPA regulations will likely cause the loss of more than 7,000 jobs in the state.