BILLINGS, Mont. — Montana Secretary of State Christi Jacobsen was honored to serve as the keynote speaker during the Montana Petroleum Association (MPA) annual meeting. Secretary Jacobsen emphasized the significance of the petroleum industry to Montana’s economy and its importance across the nation.
In her opening remarks, Secretary Jacobsen shared her deep connection to the natural resources industry.
“I am truly honored to stand here today, not only as a representative of our great state but also as someone whose personal journey is closely connected to the natural resource industry,” Secretary Jacobsen said. “My family has a long history in this field, which has greatly influenced my views on Montana’s future.”
Throughout her speech, Secretary Jacobsen emphasized the significance of the Montana Petroleum Association and its critical role in fostering a collaborative environment among industry leaders and policymakers statewide.
“Montana’s future is bright, and I am confident that, with the right strategies and partnerships, we can ensure the continued growth of our energy for generations,” said Secretary Jacobsen. “For all of us, the connection to the land, energy, and progress is more than just a professional endeavor; it’s personal. We understand the pride, dedication, sacrifice, and stewardship that are fundamental to responsibly developing our natural resources and continuing to bolster our state and domestic economy.”
Secretary Jacobsen discussed how the Montana Petroleum Association’s initiatives integrate with her role on the Montana Land Board, which manages state trust lands and their resources, including coal, oil, and gas, for the financial benefit of Montana’s public schools.
“Like you, my goal is to protect our state lands while responsibly developing and increasing oil and gas lease sales, which is why I voted ‘yes’ on sales that have generated millions of dollars in revenue, including record-setting oil and gas lease sales,” she said.
Secretary Jacobsen closed her presentation by re-emphasizing the importance of energy independence in the United States, allowing Montana and the nation to produce energy without needing to rely on foreign sources. “Ultimately, energy independence is crucial for ensuring the nation’s resilient and prosperous future,” she said.
Earlier in the day, Secretary Jacobsen attended a roundtable discussion with business leaders focusing on Made in America Manufacturing. Secretary Jacobsen joined members of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), Big Sky Economic Development, the Montana Department of Commerce, and several Montana manufacturing professionals to discuss the SBA’s “Made in America Manufacturing Initiative.” According to the SBA, the initiative aims to “increase access to capital, improve opportunities for public and private investments in support of manufacturing in America, and help small businesses export their products on a global scale.”
“Investing in the ‘Made in America Manufacturing Initiative’ allows us to support the Montana businesses that champion quality and sustainability,” said Secretary Jacobsen. “These businesses show the diversity, resiliency, and creativity of Montana manufacturing. I’m proud to support these businesses by making it easier to do business in Montana so they can focus on growth – hiring workers, expanding markets, and creating exceptional products.”
