Montana’s Resource Advantage
Montana leads the nation in coal reserves, ranks in the top four for wind energy, holds vast timber and biomass resources, and has significant oil and gas reserves. We also boast one of the strongest agricultural bases in the country.
I am a strong supporter, active participant, and committed advocate for using Montana’s natural resources to benefit all Montanans. One of the most effective ways to build a strong state economy with good-paying jobs is to promote the export of our products and energy:
- Grain and cattle via trucks and trains
- Oil and gas through safe, modern pipelines
- Electricity over high-voltage transmission lines
By responsibly developing and exporting our resources, we can keep Montana competitive, grow our rural communities, and strengthen our place in both national and global markets.
Awards and Recognition from Energy Groups
Over the last eleven sessions I have been the key sponsor of significant components of energy legislation designed to help develop Montana resources. I have cut energy taxes on oil production, transmission, private property that incurs transmission easements, and wind energy development.
I was honored to receive the Rural Electric Coop Association “Champion of Power” award. Conversely, I received a 0 from the radical environmental group MEIC and low scores from other environmental groups that do not support a vision of natural resource and energy development for Montana.
Closing the deal
Over the past decade, I’ve carried and passed major legislation to unleash Montana’s energy potential — reducing taxes and cutting unnecessary regulations on natural resource development.
Key accomplishments include:
- HB 535 – Reduced taxes on stripper oil wells.
- HB 3 – Created tax incentives for energy development.
- HB 529 – Updated MEPA to support responsible development.
- SB 206 – Made transmission siting fairer for landowners.
- SB 320 – Clarified the Major Facility Siting Act to allow expansion of existing transmission lines.
In 2025, stakeholders saw one of the heaviest dockets in years on transmission, permitting, and generation — and I continued building on my earlier wins in fair siting and grid reliability. I also pushed practical, bipartisan energy solutions, from fairer siting and permitting to consumer-choice innovations.
A Bipartisan, Results-Driven Approach
Whether working with a Republican governor or a Democratic governor, I’ve always been willing to reach across the aisle to get the job done. The bottom line: I focus on solutions that move Montana forward — not partisan gridlock.