A BILL for an Act to provide for a legislative management study regarding oil and chemical spills on state highways within the Fort Berthold Reservation.
Impact
If passed, the bill would facilitate a systematic assessment of spill risks during the 2025-26 interim period. This assessment is intended to involve key stakeholders, including the Three Affiliated Tribes of the Fort Berthold Reservation, the Department of Environmental Quality, and the Department of Health and Human Services. The findings and recommendations produced from this study would inform future legislative actions and necessary changes to existing laws aimed at enhancing safety and preparedness concerning oil and chemical spills.
Summary
House Bill 1611 proposes a legislative management study focusing on the environmental and public health risks associated with oil and chemical spills on state highways within the Fort Berthold Reservation. This initiative aims to gather insights into the potential hazards that such spills might pose, both to the ecological systems and the surrounding communities. The bill emphasizes the importance of understanding these risks in order to implement appropriate measures that safeguard the environment and public health.
Contention
Given the nature of this study, potential points of contention may arise regarding the extent of regulations or actions that might be proposed as a result of the findings. Some may argue for stringent measures to prevent spills, while others could raise concerns about the economic implications for industries operating in the Fort Berthold Reservation area. Balancing environmental safety with economic activity may lead to vigorous discussions among various stakeholders.
A concurrent resolution directing the Legislative Management to consider studying the environmental impacts of oil, hydraulic fracturing sand, and hydraulic fracturing wastewater spills on water quality, vegetation, soil, and all species of domestic and wild animals, including insects, along State Highways 22, 23, and 37 within the exterior boundaries of the Fort Berthold Reservation.
A concurrent resolution directing the Legislative Management to consider studying, in consultation with the Department of Transportation, needed safety improvements to State Highway 22 at junctions Bureau of Indian Affairs 12, 30, and 14, State Highway 23 within the exterior boundaries of the Fort Berthold Reservation, State Highway 73 West before the Fort Berthold Reservation line, and State Highway 37; and the feasibility and desirability of reducing the speed limit on State Highways 22 and 23 to 55 miles per hour.
A concurrent resolution directing the Legislative Management to consider studying whether the Fort Berthold Reservation should have stand-alone ambient air quality monitors to track and mitigate air and water pollution that may result from oil and gas development.