Central Montana Times

U.S. Senator Steve Daines recently appeared on Fox Business' program, The Bottom Line, hosted by Dagen McDowell and Brian Brenberg. During the segment, Daines discussed President Trump's leadership in energy policy and its implications for American energy independence.

Daines emphasized the importance of reliable energy sources to compete in the global AI race against China. "Well look, this AI race is really an energy race against China," he stated. He highlighted that current electricity production primarily relies on natural gas and coal (60%), with nuclear contributing 20%. Renewables, including hydroelectric power, account for less than 20%, with wind at under 10% and solar at about 3%.

"You can’t build out the AI future for this country on renewables," Daines noted. He praised President Trump's efforts to promote all forms of American energy production as essential to meeting future demands.

Addressing President Trump's cabinet selections related to energy policy, Daines compared them favorably to Europe's approach. "Step back. Look what Europe did, where they cut off their baseload power," he remarked. He cited issues Europe faced following Russia's invasion of Ukraine due to reduced coal and nuclear plant operations.

Daines expressed gratitude for President Trump's appointments of Chris Wright as Secretary of Energy and Doug Burgum as Secretary of Interior, highlighting their educational backgrounds from MIT and understanding of scientific principles over what he described as a "radical green ideology."