Sens. Jon Tester and Max Baucus say they are pushing needed legislation to protect the Flathead Valley’s natural gas supply.

The valley receives natural gas from an aging pipeline that runs through Glacier National Park. The National Park Service, however, currently doesn’t have the authority to issue a permit to Northwestern Energy to upgrade and maintain the 50-year-old pipeline.

The pipeline runs 118 miles and carries natural gas to 25,000 consumers in the Flathead. Montana Power Company constructed the pipeline in 1962 and received its first special use permit in April of that year. The permit was renewed through 1990, but the Park Service later determined that it did not have the authority needed to grant permits.

The senators say their bill would allow the Park Service to issue a permit to perform maintenance on the pipeline, which would allow the needed energy to get to the Flathead while protecting Glacier Park’s natural resources.

“This bill cuts through red tape to keep Flathead homes heated while protecting one of the most beautiful places on Earth,” Tester said. “Responsible maintenance of the pipeline will prevent accidents and help keep Glacier National Park the ‘Crown of the Continent.’”

Baucus pointed to the pipeline’s importance to Flathead residents.

“This is a common sense bill to make sure Flathead can continue getting the natural gas it needs the same way it has for the past 50 years,” Baucus said. “It’s a no brainer.”