Steve Daines: “this year marks the 10-year anniversary of the Indian coal production tax credit. This is a crucial tax incentive that…”

“this year marks the 10-year anniversary of the Indian coal production tax credit. This is a crucial tax incentive that levels the playing field for the future development of tribal coal resources that are currently subject to more regulatory requirements than comparable development on private, State or Federal land. The credit protects the economic viability of existing tribal coal mining projects which support much needed tribal jobs and provide a major source of non-Federal revenue for coal-producing tribes. Over the past 10 years, the Indian production coal tax credit has proven to be an essential tool in the work of Montana tribes to achieve self-sufficiency, increase economic opportunity, and create good-paying jobs for tribal members. It also has had a significant impact on Montana's economy as a whole. In fact, in the State of Montana, the Crow tribe relies on coal production for good-paying jobs and as much as two-thirds of the Crow Nation's annual non-Federal budget, partially funding Crow elder programs, higher education for tribal youth, and other essential services for the Crow's 13,000 enrolled members. Current unemployment on the Crow reservation is 47 percent. It would be over 80 percent if it weren't for the coal jobs. In fact, just last month, I chaired the first ever energy and jobs Senate field hearing on the Crow reservation back in Montana.…”