North Dakota House Bill HCR3013

North Dakota 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/26/23
• Refer: 1/26/23
• Report Pass: 2/13/23
• Engrossed: 2/16/23
• Refer: 2/17/23
• Report Pass: 3/17/23
• Enrolled: 3/23/23
• Passed: 3/24/23

Caption

A concurrent resolution recognizing December 6th as "Miner's Day" and urging the federal government to refrain from enacting regulations that threaten the reliability and affordability of electric power in North Dakota and to increase support for research, development, and deployment for next generation carbon-based energy generation.

Impact

The resolution calls upon federal authorities to refrain from implementing regulations that would jeopardize the reliability and affordability of electricity sourced from lignite coal. This has implications for state laws concerning energy production and the operations of coal-based power plants, which currently provide a majority of the state's electricity. Additionally, the bill urges the federal government to increase support for research and development of next-generation carbon-based energy technologies, hinting at a potential shift in focus towards more sustainable practices in energy production while maintaining coal as a primary resource.

Summary

House Concurrent Resolution 3013 (HCR3013) recognizes December 6th as 'Miner's Day' in North Dakota and seeks to address growing concerns surrounding federal regulations impacting the state's lignite coal industry. The resolution emphasizes North Dakota's significant reliance on coal for electricity, recognizing that the state has an extensive supply of recoverable lignite coal alongside being one of the largest oil producers in the U.S. Overall, the bill symbolically highlights the importance of the mining industry and the critical contributions it makes to North Dakota's economy.

Sentiment

The sentiment around HCR3013 reflects a strong advocacy for the coal industry in North Dakota, aiming to protect jobs and economic interests tied to coal mining and electric generation. Supporters view the resolution as a crucial step toward ensuring the state's energy independence and economic viability. However, there may be contention surrounding environmental concerns given the ongoing debate about coal's role in sustainable energy generation. The push for federal engagement in research for cleaner technologies can be seen as an attempt to balance traditional energy sources with future challenges.

Contention

A notable point of contention lies in the debate surrounding the potential long-term ramifications of continued reliance on coal amidst changing energy policies and environmental regulations. While the bill argues for the economic benefits and job security associated with coal, critics may argue about the necessity of reducing carbon footprints and adapting to renewable energy sources. The call for federal support in developing new technologies is a recognition of this dynamic, indicating an effort to navigate the complexities of energy production in an evolving regulatory environment.