North Dakota 2025-2026 Regular Session

North Dakota Senate Bill SB2159

Introduced
1/10/25  
Refer
1/10/25  
Report Pass
1/17/25  
Engrossed
1/21/25  
Refer
2/13/25  
Report Pass
3/28/25  
Refer
4/2/25  
Report Pass
4/4/25  
Enrolled
4/18/25  

Caption

Projects the state energy research center is permitted to pursue.

Impact

The passing of SB2159 is expected to enhance the capabilities of the State Energy Research Center, allowing it to engage in a wider array of research activities. This amendment will empower the center to contract with various entities, including other educational institutions and private organizations, to undertake energy research that aligns with state interests. By encouraging partnerships and funding opportunities, the bill aims to bring advancements in energy technologies that can contribute to North Dakota's economy while ensuring that research is focused on sustainable practices.

Summary

Senate Bill 2159 aims to amend existing provisions regarding the State Energy Research Center at the University of North Dakota. The bill seeks to expand the scope of projects the center is allowed to pursue and emphasizes the importance of exploratory and innovative research to foster economic and environmental benefits within the state. This includes a focus on clean and efficient use of energy resources, thereby facilitating the state's position in energy technology and education.

Sentiment

Overall, the sentiment surrounding SB2159 appears to be positive among legislators, with the bill receiving strong support in both the Senate and House votes. Lawmakers believe that this bill will enable a more proactive approach to state energy issues and enhance the university's role in addressing them. However, there remains a cautious perspective regarding the potential implications of the research being conducted, particularly concerning high-level radioactive waste, as the bill ensures protections against such projects, reflecting a balance between innovation and safety.

Contention

Despite its support, some contention arises around the scope of authority granted to the State Energy Research Center. Concerns are primarily focused on the implications of expanding research parameters and the possibility of researchers pursuing contentious topics. Ensuring that the center remains aligned with public interest while pursuing ambitious research goals may continue to spark debate, particularly around issues of environmental safety and regulatory oversight.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

ND SB2161

The state energy research center and the center's funding.

ND HB1020

AN ACT to provide an appropriation for defraying the expenses of the North Dakota state university extension service, northern crops institute, upper great plains transportation institute, main research center, branch research centers, and agronomy seed farm; to provide for a report; to provide for a transfer; to provide an exemption; and to declare an emergency.

ND HB1014

Fuel production facility loan guarantee reserve funding, the housing incentive fund, the powers of the North Dakota pipeline authority, definitions for the clean sustainable energy authority, a clean sustainable energy authority line of credit, and an appropriation from the state fiscal recovery fund; to provide a contingent appropriation; to provide for a transfer; to provide an exemption; to provide for a study; to provide for a report; to provide a statement of legislative intent; to provide an effective date; and to declare an emergency.

ND HB1546

The clean sustainable energy authority's fertilizer development incentive program; to provide for retroactive application; and to provide an effective date.

ND HB1012

The flexible transportation fund, motor vehicle excise tax allocations, an appropriation for township roadway funding, and the appropriation of bond proceeds for transportation projects; to provide an exemption; to provide a report; to provide for a legislative management study; to provide an effective date; and to declare an emergency.

ND SB2083

The object of the state hospital and the operation of regional human service centers; 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 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 HB1543

AN ACT to provide an appropriation to the department of health and human services, department of career and technical education, and Bismarck state college for facility-related projects; to authorize the issuance of revenue bonds for a Bismarck state college facility project; to provide for a legislative management report; to provide for retroactive application; and to provide an effective date.

ND HB1242

A line of credit authorized for the statewide interoperable radio network project; to provide an appropriation; to provide for a transfer; to provide for a legislative management study; and to declare an emergency.

Similar Bills

CA AB922

Reproductive health and research: oocyte procurement.

HI SB2304

Relating To The Research Corporation Of The University Of Hawaii.

HI SB3208

Relating To The Research Corporation Of The University Of Hawaii.

HI SB1511

Relating To The Research Corporation Of The University Of Hawaii.

HI SB1511

Relating To The Research Corporation Of The University Of Hawaii.

HI SB1204

Relating To The University Of Hawaii.

CA SB934

California Childhood Cancer Research Fund Act.

CA AB1103

Controlled substances: research.