Power grid at center of debate over North Dakota’s energy future
The possibility that North Dakota s largest coal-fired power plant will close in 2022 is driving a review of the state s energy policy and is causing friction over how to ensure the power grid remains reliable, with some officials worried brownouts could happen. Written By: Patrick Springer | Adam Willis | 12:00 am, Feb. 13, 2021 ×
Regional congestion on the power grid looms as an obstacle to further development of energy generation in North Dakota, prompting legislation that would require new wind farms to provide backup power sources action wind advocates say isn t needed to ensure reliable power. David Samson / The Forum
BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) Budget writers in the North Dakota House have slashed by almost half a landmark $1.1 billion proposed bonding package aimed largely at financing infrastructure projects.
North Dakota lawmakers look to buoy coal with relief bills
The arrival of the new, climate-focused Biden administration and a ticking clock on the lifespan of Coal Creek Station, which is slated for closure next year, have lent new urgency to coal policy this session. Written By: Adam Willis | ×
The Coal Creek Station power plant is seen Wednesday, May 13, 2020, near Underwood, N.D. Great River Energy has announced the plant is slated to close in 2022. Michael Vosburg / Forum Photo Editor
BISMARCK With North Dakota coal staring down an uncertain future, lawmakers are making financial relief for the troubled fossil fuel industry a top priority this legislative session.
(Bismarck, ND) A new bill is proposing that a committee of lawmakers would draw redistricting lines.
The redistricting process happens once every ten years, with specific criteria related to demographics taken from the previous year s census.
Republican Senate Majority Leader Rich Wardner says the committee would likely include 16 or 18 lawmakers. The committee would be made up mostly of Republicans, with two or three Democrats, representing the party breakdown in the Legislature.
Wardner says care would be taken to draw a fair electoral map, but House Minority Leader Josh Boschee says Republicans have previously drawn the lines to their political benefit.