Tester Seeks To Make Energy More Affordable
While the war between Russia and Ukraine continues, U.S. Sen. Jon Tester, D-Mont., said sanctions against Russia are important but steps should be taken to control inflation in the United States as well.
“Inflation is hurting folks across Montana, and many of us are feeling the pain at the pump in particular. It’s essential that we take action to lower these costs, and that’s why this month I called on the Biden Administration to use an all-of-the-above approach to increase responsible, domestic energy production,” Tester said during a press call with Montana reporters last week.
Tester said all tools to make energy more affordable including: Releasing oil from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve; Making sure our oil and gas leasing process actually gets responsible energy production up and running; Working with oil and gas producers to shore up our domestic supply; Reviewing the Keystone XL Pipeline and similar projects to secure reliable energy sources from allies, and keep refined products in America; Investing in domestic clean energy generation, transmission and storage.
“It’s clear that folks are hurting, and we feel it every day at the gas pump – but we also can’t let immediate crisis unwind decades of clean energy research and development,” Tester said. “We need to invest in all sectors of American energy to lessen the burden on Montanans, and we need to start now.”
Tester added that he continues to urge the Biden Administration to change its mind regarding the Keystone Pipeline.
“We will continue to put pressure on the administration,” Tester said. “I believe it’s the right thing to do.”
The senator noted Vladimir Putin has single handedly started an unprovoked war with the sovereign, Democratic nation of Ukraine, and his actions are making the world less safe every day.
“There should be no reluctance to condemn Vladimir Putin as an enemy of America and of freedom around the world. We must always stand up to bullies who attack democracy, and I’m continuing to work with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle who are serious about defending our core values at home and abroad,” Tester said.
During the press call, Tester noted the Postal Reform Act was passed in March.
“It will put the Postal Service back on solid financial ground and ensure Montana families and businesses can depend on reliable and affordable mail delivery for years to come,” Tester said. “Among other things, this legislation will increase transparency into the postal service, require delivery six days a week, allow the postal service to offer additional services, and make it more affordable for rural newspapers to distribute papers across the state. Montanans rely on the Postal Service for everything from prescription medication to Social Security benefits, and it’s about time that we got this bipartisan piece of legislation across the finish line.”
