North Dakota 2023-2024 Regular Session

North Dakota House Bill HB1369

Introduced
1/13/23  
Refer
1/13/23  

Caption

A fertilizer development fund; to provide for a legislative management report; to provide a continuing appropriation; and to provide for a transfer.

Impact

This legislation is expected to considerably influence state agricultural policies and the broader economy by incentivizing the establishment of fertilizer plants within North Dakota. The inclusion of a continuing appropriation allows for ongoing financial support without the need for annual legislative approval, thereby streamlining funding processes. Local farmers and agricultural businesses may see reduced costs in fertilizer production, potentially leading to increased crop yields and farming efficiency. Furthermore, the potential for grants up to 20% of project costs promotes economic development and innovation within the agricultural sector.

Summary

House Bill 1369 establishes a Fertilizer Development Fund within the state treasury to support the development of fertilizer production projects. The fund will consist of money transferred by the legislative assembly, interest accrued, and any donations or grants. The funds will be used to provide grants and financial assistance to qualifying projects, with particular emphasis on those utilizing hydrogen from electrolysis and those that employ natural gas. The bill emphasizes a dual allocation, ensuring that projects utilizing both energy sources receive funding, which reflects a commitment to diverse and sustainable agricultural practices in the state.

Contention

While the bill has the potential to bolster the agricultural economy, there are points of contention regarding the allocation of funds among competing energy sources. Critics may argue that designating specific percentages of funding could favor certain industries over others, possibly stifling competition. Additionally, concerns over transparency arise from provisions related to confidentiality for applicants, which may lead to debates on accountability and public access to information about funded projects. Balancing support across various energy sources while ensuring fair access and competition will be key challenges as the bill moves forward.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

ND HB1480

A pay for success fund; to provide for a legislative management study; to provide for a legislative management report; to provide for a continuing appropriation; to provide for a transfer; and to provide an effective date.

ND SB2334

A sales tax exemption for a fertilizer plant and allocation of sales tax revenue; to provide a continuing appropriation; to provide for a legislative management report; and to provide an expiration date.

ND SB2014

A transfer from the strategic investment and improvements fund to the clean sustainable energy fund; to provide a deficiency appropriation; to provide for a transfer; to provide an exemption; to provide for a legislative management study; to provide for a legislative management report; to provide for a report; to provide an effective date; and to declare an emergency.

ND SB2328

The bioscience innovation grant program; to provide a report; to provide a continuing appropriation; to provide an appropriation; to provide for a transfer; and to declare an emergency.

ND HB1004

The deposit of judgment funds; to provide for a legislative management report; to provide for a transfer; and to provide for an exemption.

ND SB2015

A transfer of Bank of North Dakota profits to a water infrastructure revolving loan fund; to provide for a transfer; to provide an exemption; to provide for a legislative management study; to provide a report; to provide a penalty; to provide for application; to provide a retroactive effective date; to provide a contingent effective date; to provide an effective date; and to declare an emergency.

ND SB2012

The autism voucher; to provide a statement of legislative intent; to provide for a legislative management study; to provide for a report; to provide an effective date; and to declare an emergency.

ND HB1027

The administration of the state fire and tornado fund; to provide for a legislative management study; and to provide a continuing appropriation.

ND HB1003

Matching grants for legal education and the workforce education advisory council; to provide for a transfer; to provide for a legislative management study; to provide loan authorization for the Mayville state university old main project; to provide for a report; to provide an exemption; to provide legislative intent; and to declare an emergency.

ND HB1018

The legacy investment for technology program, the North Dakota development fund, the workforce enhancement council, the administration of uncrewed aircraft system programs, workforce development grants to tribally controlled community colleges, and a North Dakota development fund grant program; to provide a transfer; to provide an exemption; to provide for a report; and to declare an emergency.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.