Tester statement on Powder River Training Complex Decision

(BILLINGS, Mont.) – Senator Jon Tester today issued the following statement after the Air Force issued its decision to move forward with the Powder River Training Complex (PRTC) expansion:

“This decision is no doubt disappointing, but there are still opportunities to make sure that Montanans’ concerns are heard. Moving forward, the Air Force and the FAA must ensure that the proposed expansion doesn’t negatively impact general aviation, agricultural operations, and the safety of the Keystone pipeline. I’ll continue pushing until those concerns are addressed.”

Before the expansion can move forward, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) must also issue a Record of Decision.

Senators Tester and Daines have introduced an amendment to bar the Air Force from using the PRTC to conduct low altitude flights over the Keystone XL pipeline and the oil onramp in Baker, Montana. The Senators also recently met with Air Force officials to discuss Montanans concerns over the proposed expansion.

You can read more about Senator Tester’s concerns HERE.