It's good for Montana, especially it's good for our State's economy.
I commend a couple of companies who took the lead. Conoco Phillips, Chevron are two which owned--had most of the lease acreage.
I am pleased to be joined here by my good friend Senator Jon Tester, who is co-sponsoring this important bill with me.
Today, we have a rare opportunity to act based on a consensus about the wisdom of keeping the North Fork pristine.
I don't think any Senator has worked as hard for good solid balanced legislation as he has.
This is not a bill made by Democrats or Republicans. This is a bill made by Democrats and Republicans.
This area is just so special. I mean, it's a no brainer.
The fact is this bill is not controversial.
The North Fork Watershed Protection Act of 2011 is the next and necessary step.
I'm proud of the bill that we shaped by working together.
At the request of Montana Senators Max Baucus and John Tester, leaseholders have voluntarily relinquished 76 leases consisting of almost 182...