Gianforte Provides Remarks At Coal Lease Hearing In Billings

Statement

Bozeman businessman and tech entrepreneur Greg Gianforte called out the Obama and Bullock Administrations with remarks at a pro-coal rally in Billings Tuesday.

State Senator Doug Kary of Billings, who sits on the energy committee, also delivered comments to the US Senate listening session held by Senator Steve Daines on behalf of Gianforte. In his comments, Gianforte noted that Montana receives about $50 million per biennium from federal coal royalties alone. The state is now starting to see declining revenue, and high wage job layoffs across the state, and cannot afford to lose more.

GIANFORTE: "Given the troubles in Montana's economy, it is important that Secretary Jewell calls off any plans to increase royalty tax rates on federal coal leases. I'd also urge her to reconsider plans to impose a moratorium on new federal coal leases…We're facing troubling economic times here in Montana. The last thing we need is failed leadership from the Obama Administration in Washington, and the Bullock Administration in Helena, piling on."

Just last week, Governor Steve Bullock failed to testify at a Congressional hearing organized by Montana Congressman Ryan Zinke.

Montana is already feeling the impacts of the War on Coal. Overall production is down by one-third this year. With the downturn comes less revenue from coal royalties and taxes. Montana's rainy day fund is now projected to drop below $200 million. The Billings Gazette noted earlier this month the impact that lack of coal revenue was already having on public school libraries. From May of 2015 to May of 2016 coal production was down 46%.

Gianforte is the founder of RightNow Technologies. He started the company out of his house in Bozeman, and created over 500 jobs in Montana. The average Montana salary at RightNow was nearly $90,000 a year. Oracle purchased RightNow in 2012, and continues to expand the company's footprint in Montana.

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