Daines speaks out in favor of Energy Policy Modernization Act of 2016

U.S. Sen. Steve Daines (R-MT) recently addressed his fellow senators to stress the importance of several provisions in the Energy Policy Modernization Act of 2016 as the Senate prepared to vote on some of its amendments.

“The Energy Policy Modernization Act of 2016 is a crucial step forward in modernizing our nation’s energy policy and public lands management for the first time in almost a decade,” Daines said. “And we’re doing it in a strong, bipartisan fashion. More, we’re taking the necessary steps to secure our nation’s energy future — in turn, increasing economic opportunity and protecting our nation’s security needs.”

In his remarks, Daines highlighted factors like the bill’s permanent reauthorization of the Land and Water Conservation Fund and streamlined permitting for exporting liquefied natural gas, hydropower development and some mineral drilling. Daines also noted the positive affects it would have on the nation’s electrical grid, which include increased reliability and security.

“In Montana, we know the important balance of responsibly developing our natural resources and serving as good stewards of our environment,” Daines said. “Our energy sector supports thousands of good-paying jobs for union workers and tribal members. And access to our state’s one-of-a-kind public lands is critical to our state’s tourism economy and our way of life. This bill facilitates all of these goals.”