Daines Works to Lower Montanans' Energy Costs

Press Release

Representative Steve Daines today joined the House in passing legislation to ease gas prices for Montana families by expanding the production of America's own energy resources. It's the third energy bill to pass the House this week.

The Lowering Gasoline Prices to Fuel an America that Works Act removes Obama Administration roadblocks and expands access to on and off-shore oil and natural gas, encouraging timely and responsible development of federal resources and enhancing safety of offshore energy operations.

"Environmentally-safe technology has fueled a twenty-first century energy boom on state and private lands that is a bright spot in the otherwise lagging economy, but production on federal lands is needlessly mired in bureaucracy and red tape," Daines said. "Unlocking this potential would create 1.2 million new American jobs, reduce energy prices for Montana families and strengthen our national security by promoting North American energy independence."

Since President Obama took office, total federal oil production has dropped 6 percent and total federal natural gas production has dropped 28 percent. According to AAA, the national average for a gallon of regular gasoline is $3.68, double what it was when President Obama was inaugurated.

The bill also included two amendments to help veterans, women and underrepresented minorities find employment in the growing energy industry.

On Tuesday, the House passed the North American Energy Infrastructure Act, a bipartisan energy reform bill to remove politically-motivated delays and regulatory uncertainty from future energy infrastructure projects that cross the Canadian or Mexican border.

Yesterday, the House passed the Domestic Prosperity and Global Freedom Act that would remove extensive delays facing future liquefied natural gas export applications to boost the economy, create jobs and increase global energy security.

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