Daines' Timber, Hydropower Bills Moving Forward

Press Release

Congressman Steve Daines today announced that his bills to revitalize Montana's timber industry and clear the way for hydropower development along Montana's irrigation canals are moving one step closer to a full vote in the U.S. House of Representatives.

On Wednesday, July 31, the House Natural Resources Committee will markup two Daines bills--the Restoring Healthy Forests for Healthy Communities Act and the Bureau of Reclamation Conduit Hydropower Development Equity and Jobs Act.

The markup is scheduled for 10:00AM EST on July 31, 2013 at 1324 Longworth House Office Building, Washington, D.C. The markup is the final step before both bills reach the House floor for a full vote.

Restoring Healthy Forests for Healthy Communities Act

"The responsible and active management of our National Forests is critical for the health of Montana's economy, as well as the health of our forests themselves," Daines stated. "The Restoring Healthy Forests for Healthy Communities Act will help create thousands of good, long-term jobs and ensure that our forests are responsibly managed. It is overwhelmingly evident that reforms are needed to protect the health of our forests and watersheds, the safety of our communities and the strength of our timber industry and the jobs it supports."

In April, Daines joined Natural Resources Committee Chairman Doc Hastings in introducing the Restoring Healthy Forests for Healthy Communities Act, which will help revitalize Montana's timber industry and create thousands of good, long-term jobs, while addressing beetle kill, protecting the environment for future generations and reducing the threat of catastrophic wildfires in Montana.

The Restoring Healthy Forests for Healthy Communities Act will cut the red tape that has held up responsible forest management and timber production and addresses the expiration of the Secure Rural Schools (SRS) program by renewing the federal government's commitment to manage forest resources. It also includes comprehensive reforms to discourage and limit the flood of frivolous appeals and litigation that has long held up the responsible stewardship of our National Forests.

Bureau of Reclamation Conduit Hydropower Development Equity and Jobs Act

"This common sense legislation will cut senseless barriers to hydropower development, help create good-paying jobs in our rural communities, and lower energy costs for Montanans," Daines stated. "Montana's irrigation districts hold tremendous potential for serving our state's energy needs. By removing outdated and senseless barriers, we can clear the way for the development of this clean, renewable energy source--all at no cost to the American taxpayer."

The Bureau of Reclamation Conduit Hydropower Development Equity and Jobs Act removes outdated federal statutes that currently prevent irrigation districts in Montana and other western states from developing hydropower on Bureau of Reclamation (BOR) canals, ditches, and conduits.

There are 11 projects nationwide that would be immediately impacted by Daines' bill, four of which are in Montana. Additionally, Daines' bill, in combination with H.R. 678-- the Bureau of Reclamation Small Conduit Hydropower Development and Rural Jobs Act, which this year passed through the House with overwhelming bipartisan support--could lead to development of at least 32 conduit hydropower sites on BOR conduits in Montana.

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