Incoming President Joe Biden wasted no time making good on his campaign pledge to "transition away from the oil industry," issuing an executive order revoking TC Energy's permit to construct the Keystone XL Pipeline across the international border of the United States and Canada.

The order, predicated on the perceived need to "tackle the climate crisis," also withdrew from leasing areas off the coast of Alaska in the Bering Sea. In a separate order, Biden also imposed a 60-day suspension of new oil and gas leasing and drilling permits on federal land and in the Gulf of Mexico. The order also applies to coal leases and permits, and blocks approval of new mining plans.

North Dakota political leaders predictably reacted with outrage. Congressman Kelly Armstrong, whose family is engaged in oil production, said attacking agriculture and energy producing states like North Dakota is the wrong way to promote unity.

"The United States has become a world energy leader because of common sense decisions like moving forward with constructing the Keystone XL pipeline, allowing responsible development of the ANWR Coastal Plain, and removing our nation from the onerous and unfair Paris Climate Agreement," Armstrong said in a statement. "Biden’s plans to sideline vital energy infrastructure and bring us into a one-sided climate deal that further restricts our farmers and ranchers will only serve to push our country down while we are struggling to recover from a global pandemic."

Senators John Hoeven and Kevin Cramer joined Montana Senator Steve Daines and senators from Wyoming, who sent a letter to Biden urging him to allow construction of the pipeline to continue. The letter points out that TC Energy pledged to operate the pipeline at a net-zero emissions level, powering its operation with renewable electricity sources and batteries, which would negate Biden's claim that blocking the pipeline somehow benefits the climate.

Gov. Doug Burgum noted that previous administrations have made it a goal to position America to "sell energy to our friends and allies versus buy it from our enemies."

"Finally achieving this policy of U.S. energy independence in recent years due to American innovation and entrepreneurship has led to low energy prices that help working families keep more money in their pockets, a resurgence in American manufacturing jobs and the ability to bring our soldiers home," Burgum said in a statement. "Now is not the time to abandon this essential strategy."

Click here to read Biden's 3,400-word executive order.

The state's top oil regulator says President Biden's order cancelling a permit for the Keystone XL will have no immediate impact on North Dakota crude oil shippers, but he said the message it sends is concerning.

Lynn Helms, director of the Department of Mineral Resources, told members of the House Energy and Natural Resources Committee this week that the state had anticipated using about 100,000 barrels per day of takeaway capacity when Keystone was completed.

Click here to listen to Helms' comments.

Helms told committee members the Dakota Access Pipeline and its capacity to move 570,000 barrels per day is the most critical component of North Dakota's crude takeaway capacity. He said a shutdown would cost the state millions in lost tax revenue, and would have a ripple effect on the state's ag producers.

Click here to listen to Helms' comments.

Helms said Biden's suspension of drilling activity on federal lands also has serious consequences for North Dakota. He said if the ban is allowed to continue, it would eliminate about one-fourth of the state's future drilling opportunities.

Click here to listen to Helms' comments.

Click here to watch legislative video of Helms' presentation to the committee. Click here to read an article by Renée Jean in the Williston Herald, providing additional analysis of the impact of the leasing ban.

Legislative leaders held a news conference this week to announce the introduction of a bill which would require that 20 percent of future Legacy Fund deposits be invested in North Dakota. 

The bill's prime sponsor, Rep. Mike Nathe of Bismarck, said currently only a small percentage of Legacy Fund principal is invested in the state, and increasing that amount will deliver significant benefits to North Dakotans.

Click here to listen to Nathe's comments.

Nathe said the investments would be managed by a fund manager hired by the State Investment Board. He said the 20 percent of Legacy Fund deposits would be split into two accounts, which would produce direct investment in cutting-edge energy projects and other emerging opportunities.

Click here to listen to Nathe's comments.

The bill (HB 1425) would provide a low-interest loan opportunity to local governments as well. The legislation specifies that "up to 40 percent must be targeted for infrastructure loans to political subdivisions, at a fixed rate of 1.5 percent.

The bill also creates a legacy infrastructure revolving loan fund, providing 2% loans for "essential infrastructure projects," including major water supply projects, water and wastewater treatment plants, transportation and other municipal infrastructure. 

(Photo of Mike Nathe thanks to Lacee Bjork Anderson)

Members of the Senate Appropriations Committee heard updates and budget reports this week from each of the institutions comprising the North Dakota University System (NDUS).

Prior to the committee meeting, NDUS released the results of a study showing the state’s colleges and universities are responsible for a nearly $5.5 billion economic impact in fiscal year 2019. 

“As the report illustrates, higher education is vital to North Dakota’s economy,” said NDUS Chancellor Mark Hagerott. “Higher education invests in people and the overall growth of knowledge for young people and adult learners. Higher education directly influences these learners as well as the workplaces that hire these workers. Our goal is to always work toward the betterment of the entire state.”

Titled Economic Impact of the North Dakota University System, the FY 2019 report is similar to studies conducted in reports dating back to 1999. Click here to read the study news release. 

Williston State College President Dr. John Miller told members of the Senate Appropriations Committee this week that WSC delivered $73.7 million in gross business volume from ongoing operations and student spending in FY 2019. 

Miller, who recently announced plans to retire, described a key program of interest to western North Dakota and the Bakken oil and gas industry. He said One Basin, One Way, a standardized safety orientation program, is delivered in cooperation with WSC’s TrainND Northwest program and the ND Safety Council. 

Click here to listen to Miller's comments.

Miller also outlined how $700,000 in appropriations for WSC and TrainND was used to deliver instruction to 112 CDL trainees, 64 CNA trainees, 198 crane/heavy equipment trainees, 16 additional year-one nursing students and 53 welding trainees. 

Miller concluded his presentation with two requests for appropriations in the 2021-2023 biennium. He asked the committee to provide funding for additional nursing instructors and money to fund an equity stipend to be used to correct a regional salary disparity for WSC staff and faculty. 

Click here to listen to Miller's comments.

To view legislative video of Dr. Miller’s entire presentation, click here and advance to the 10:13 mark. 

Dickinson State University experienced the highest enrollment increase in the NDUS system last fall, adding 91 students for a bump of 6.7%. 

DSU President Stephen Easton said partnerships with area high schools plus a focus on making classes available remotely led to the increase, but growth had produced challenges. He said DSU implemented budget reductions in January 2020, eliminating 14 occupied positions, and did not fill 22 vacant positions. The reductions, according to Easton, left DSU feeling “very tight” given the fall enrollment increase. 

In remarks to the Senate Appropriations Committee, Easton cited DSU’s work with Dickinson Public School and other districts in southwestern North Dakota on a Career and Technical Education (CTE) initiative, complemented by assistance from Haliburton.

“This is a great example of innovation and taking advantage of the circumstances of the economy in western North Dakota where Halliburton was abandoning that facility,” which DSU was able to take over for use as a CTE Center to help fulfill its “dual mission.”

Click here to listen to Easton's comments.

Easton said DSU is increasingly helping fill the region's need for a skilled workforce.

Click here to listen to Easton's comments.

DSU’s funding request for the 2021-23 biennium includes money for the CTE Center, building renovations for Pulver Hall (slated to be used as the document library for the Theodore Roosevelt Center), funding for the digitization of TR documents; and funding for construction of a new softball stadium and soccer fields in conjunction with Dickinson Public Schools, City of Dickinson, and Dickinson Parks and Recreation. 

To view Easton’s presentation, click here and advance to the 2:50 mark. 

The North Dakota Senate gave its approval this week to a measure that would allow primary enforcement of the state's seatbelt law, which means a vehicle could be pulled over if an officer suspect its occupants are unbelted.

The Senate voted 28-18 to support SB 2121, which changes seat belt enforcement from a secondary to a primary offense. The legislation would also require all vehicle occupants to be belted, not just those in the front seat. The legislation received an impassioned hearing in the Senate Transportation Committee last week (see newsletter story), with testimony from 11 witnesses, culminating in a 3-3 tie vote of the committee.

In floor debate Wednesday, Bismarck Senator Mike Dwyer recounted some of the more compelling testimony from the committee hearing.

Click here to listen to Dwyer's comments.

Dwyer said statistics from other states that have enacted a primary seat belt law demonstrate it will increase compliance and save lives.

Click here to listen to Dwyer's comments. 

The bill's prime sponsor, Senator Brad Bekkedahl of Williston, quoted a Bismarck Tribune editorial board column that reinforced how the legislation would save lives. Bekkedahl said the value of saving a life is immeasurable. 

Click here to listen to Bekkedahl's comments. 

The bill now moves to the House.

There are times when the minority rules in North Dakota, and there's perhaps no better example of that than voting on a school bond issue. Construction projects now require a 60 percent majority for approval, but a Williston legislator hopes to reduce that number.

Rep. David Richter has introduced a bill (HB 1350) that would lower the threshold to 55% in large districts with a population greater than 20,000, and drop it to 57% in districts with between 4,000 and 20,000 people. Richter said the bill would maintain the 60% requirement in rural districts to ensure the farming community is treated fairly.

Click here to listen to Richter's comments.

Richter said he believes it's appropriate to lower the vote threshold in urban school districts. He cited several examples of bond issues that received strong majorities, but didn't quite reach the 60% requirement.

Click here to listen to Richter's comments.

The legislation is scheduled to receive its first hearing Monday at 10:30 a.m. in the House Finance and Committee.

Some North Dakota legislators want to make sure young people understand the principles set forth by the Founding Fathers, and have introduced legislation that would require a patriotism project in the state's elementary curriculum.

HB 1143, which was approved on a 9-5 vote of the House Education Committee, is aimed at reversing a perceived decline in civics and social studies education to ensure kids understand the founding pillars of American governance.  The legislation calls for students to complete at least one patriotism project as part of their experience in elementary school, beginning in the 2022-23 school year. The goal is to encourage civic duty and help students better appreciate the right to vote, their responsibility to be an informed citizen, and to contribute to the betterment of their community. 

Bismarck Senator Dick Dever, an Army veteran and lifetime member of the VFW and Amvets, is the prime Senate Sponsor of the measure. Dever speaks passionately about the importance of promoting patriotism.

Click here to listen to Dever's comments. 

Jim Nelson, ND AMVETS Commander and President of the ND Veteran’s Legislative Council, said it's essential that young people understand America's history to fully appreciate its blessings and ensure they are preserved for future generations.

Click here to listen to Nelson's comments.

The need for patriotic education was a national topic this week. One of the 17 executive orders issued by President Biden canceled Donald Trump’s 1776 Commission which was established in September 2020 to promote patriotic education. Click here for more information on the 1776 Commission from the Heritage Foundation. 

North Dakota’s lone congressman, Kelly Armstrong, has been chosen to serve on the influential House Energy and Commerce (E&C) Committee. 

The E&C Committee has wide jurisdiction over major issues including health care, telecommunications, technology, consumer safety, environment, food and drug safety, energy, and interstate and foreign commerce.

“I am honored to serve on the Energy and Commerce Committee, where I will continue fighting for North Dakota priorities,” said Armstrong. “Energy development and agriculture are the backbone of North Dakota’s economy, and I have always been a champion for these industries that employ thousands in our state."

Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers, Republican Leader of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, said she was excited to have Armstrong join the committee.

“The vast majority of legislation we consider in the House runs through this committee. Congressman Armstrong brings invaluable expertise to lead on policies that will promote America’s energy independence and hold Big Tech accountable,” she said. 

Click here for more information about the Energy and Commerce Committee.

What better way to get through February than a night to network with legislators and discuss issues important to your community. The Dickinson Area Chamber of Commerce is hosting Southwest Night with the Legislators February 22 at the Ramkota Hotel in Bismarck.

The event will begin with a social at 5:00, followed by dinner at 7:00 p.m. 

Tickets to the event are $50. Early bird registration closes February 12.

For more information or to register, click here.

With blood banks around the region continuing to experience shortages, the ND Petroleum Foundation and Vitalant are stepping up to help organize several blood drives around the Bakken in the months to come. 

The Foundation and the ND Petroleum Council are urging industry members and employees to help save a life by participating in one of the drives taking place in one of seven western North Dakota communities.

January 27: Williston 
February 1-2: Williston 
February 3: Ray 
February 3: Dickinson 
February 3-4: Watford City 
February 6: Williston 
February 9: Crosby
February 16: Beach 
February 16 Williston 
February 26: Tioga
March 6: Dickinson 

For the specific event times and locations, click here. To search for other dates or locations, click here.

Planners are ready for the Energy Progress & Innovation Conference, to be held next week in a virtual format. The event is next Tuesday and Wednesday, January 26-27.

It used to be known as the Energy Generation Conference and has a long history starting in 1978 as the Power Plant Operations Conference. In 1980 Bismarck State College become involved and it was renamed the Energy Generation Conference. Conference organizers prepared a 40^th Anniversary Video highlighting the growth of this event through the years. Click here to view the short video.

This year’s event was renamed in part because it will be conducted in a virtual format while COVID-19 restrictions remain in place. The conference agenda features pre-conference sessions on January 26 focusing on computer usage, electrical issues and leadership topics. On January 27, the morning will feature a live session followed in the afternoon by 18 breakout sessions covering a variety of topics.

Bruce Emmil, Dean of the National Energy Center of Excellence at Bismarck State College, said the event offers a wide variety of topics of interest to industry professionals.

Click here to listen to Emmil's comments about the EPIC Conference.

Emmil was interviewed on the radio program Energy Matters. Click here and advance to 15:20 mark to listen to the full interview.

Click here to view the agenda and registration information,

Like many other educational events these days, the North Dakota Reclamation Conference is suspending its face-to-face event this year in favor of a webinar series. 

In place of the traditional two-day conference, organizers are spreading sessions over five weeks in March. Each session will last one hour. 

The webinars will be free and open to anyone interested in learning more about reclamation. Click here for the agenda, the speaker list or to register for the event. 

Wed., March 3 | Alberta Grasslands Perspective on Reclamation 
Wed., March 10 | Pipeline Reclamation 
Wed., March 17 | Innovative Approaches to Reclamation
Wed., March 24 | Using Technology to Enhance Reclamation 
Wed., March 31 | Reclamation to Achieve the Most Bang for Your Buck