Tester statement on FAA’s approval of Powder River Training Complex expansion

(U.S. SENATE)-Senator Jon Tester today released the following statement after the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) approved the Powder River Training Complex expansion in southeast Montana.

“I’m extremely disappointed the FAA is greenlighting this expansion in the face of real concerns and opposition on the ground. I will hold the Air Force and the FAA accountable as this expansion moves forward to ensure the training complex doesn’t negatively impact general aviation, agriculture production or energy development.”

Tester today spoke with FAA Administrator Michael Huerta to share his concerns with the decision and to ask the Administrator to prioritize safety as the FAA constructs a timeline for the expansion.

Tester introduced legislation with Senator Steve Daines to bar the Air Force from using the Powder River Training Complex to conduct low altitude flights over the Keystone XL pipeline and the oil onramp in Baker, Montana.