Duane Ankney spent eight years representing District 43 in the Montana House of Representatives, followed by a decade in the Montana Senate for District 20. He held a strong stance on economic policies, particularly advocating for coal usage and the benefits of electricity from power plants. Ankney introduced Senate Bill 402 to address the impact of closing power plants, although the bill did not pass. His career highlights a consistent focus on energy and economic development.

Duane Ankney's political identity is marked by a distinctive blend of economic conservatism and environmental pragmatism. He staunchly supported coal usage, advocating for policies that aimed to sustain the industry while generating revenue for local communities. Ankney's legislative efforts, such as Senate Bill 402, reveal a calculated approach to balancing regional economic interests with environmental regulations. His rhetoric often highlighted the historical role of coal in Montana's economic development, presenting a unique tension between traditional industry support and modern environmental concerns.