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BILLINGS, Mont. — Montana Secretary of State Christi Jacobsen was honored to be a featured speaker at the 48th annual Montana Coal Council Convention. She expressed her support and gratitude for the coal industry’s workers, their families, and their businesses.
“Thank you to everyone in the coal industry for your continued investment in our state, your commitment to doing business here in Big Sky Country, and for producing energy for our country and the world,” said Secretary Jacobsen. “For our family, like all of you, the connection to land, power, and progress isn’t abstract – it’s personal. I understand firsthand the pride, hard work, sacrifice, and stewardship that go into natural resource development. I want to thank each of you for the work you do every day to produce energy for Montana and the world.”
Secretary Jacobsen discussed her votes on the Montana Land Board, which increased and protected public access while supporting responsible natural resource development. Her votes led to historic revenue of more than $92 million for Montana schools last year.
“In addition to funding education for our children, we’re protecting public access, preserving working lands, and standing guard over the Montana way of life that we all treasure,” Secretary Jacobsen said.
Secretary Jacobsen thanked the state legislators in attendance for their continued support of natural resource development. She touched on affiliated legislation that she recently filed into Montana law and discussed the correlation between Montana’s efforts and President Trump’s executive order, ‘Unleashing American Energy.’
“Montana coal is more than just a resource; it’s a foundation of good-paying jobs, reliable energy, and national security,” said Secretary Jacobsen. “Under President Trump’s leadership, America has a renewed focus on energy independence, unleashing domestic production, reducing reliance on foreign sources, and putting American workers first. That spirit is alive and well here in Montana, where your industry continues to deliver the power that drives our state, and this nation, forward.”
“Thank you for being part of that mission and for standing firm in support of Montana jobs, Montana families, and Montana values,” she added. “These aren’t just policy wins, they’re long-term investments in Montana’s strength, resilience, and future. Thank you all for making these victories possible.”