U.S. Senator Steve Daines (R–Mont.) emphasized the importance of expanding energy production in tribal communities during a Senate Indian Affairs Committee hearing this week. Speaking with David Conrad, Acting Director of the Department of Energy’s Office of Indian Energy Policy and Programs, Daines highlighted the potential for tribal energy projects to strengthen sovereignty and fuel economic development across Montana’s reservations.
“The purpose of today’s hearing is to discuss unleashing Indian energy. It’s a great topic. We’ve been talking about this for years in Montana, and it’s very much in line with President Trump’s goal of securing American energy dominance,” Daines said. “Reliable, affordable energy is critical—not only for the national economy but also for rural communities in Montana, including our seven Indian reservations.”
Daines pointed to past successes, including the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes’ acquisition of the SKQ Dam with DOE assistance, which created high-paying jobs and produced affordable renewable power for the open market. He also stressed the economic opportunities for the Crow Tribe, which sits on some of Montana’s vast coal reserves and is seeking to expand both coal and hydropower capacity.
The Senator highlighted two key bills he supports: the Crow Revenue Act, which would authorize a land swap to give the tribe greater control over subsurface holdings within its reservation, and the Crow Tribe Water Settlement Amendments Act, which would extend authorization for hydropower development at the Yellowtail Afterbay Dam. Both measures, he said, are vital to advancing tribal sovereignty and ensuring long-term economic opportunity.
“Montana has incredible resources—from hydropower to coal—that can support tribal self-determination and energy independence,” Daines said. “By empowering tribes to develop their own energy projects, we can create jobs, lower costs, and strengthen sovereignty, while making sure families in Montana have reliable power during our harsh winter months.”