North Dakota 2023-2024 Regular Session

North Dakota Senate Bill SB2137

Introduced

1/3/23

Refer

1/3/23

Report DNP

1/20/23

Caption

The membership of the energy policy commission.

Impact

The passage of SB2137 would modify section 17-07-01 of the North Dakota Century Code, impacting how energy policy decisions are made at the state level. By broadening the range of representatives on the commission, the bill envisions a more inclusive approach to energy policy which may lead to more balanced representation of both traditional and renewable energy sectors. This change is expected to facilitate dialogue between different energy industries, potentially leading to more comprehensive and forward-thinking energy strategies for the state.

Summary

Senate Bill 2137 aims to amend the membership structure of the Energy Policy Commission in North Dakota. The bill proposes to redefine the composition of the commission, ensuring that it includes representatives from various sectors within the energy industry, such as agriculture, lignite, petroleum, biomass, wind, ethanol, and solar energy. This restructured commission is intended to better reflect the diverse interests in North Dakota's energy landscape and ensure that all relevant voices are included in energy policy discussions.

Contention

During discussions surrounding the bill, there were notable points of contention related to the representation on the commission. Opponents expressed concerns that the changes might favor certain energy sectors over others, particularly in favor of fossil fuels at the expense of renewable energy priorities. Proponents, however, argued that a diverse commission would enhance discussions and drive better decisions about North Dakota's energy future. The bill reflects ongoing debates about how best to integrate varying energy interests within state policies.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

ND SB2165

Membership of the clean sustainable energy authority.

ND SB2188

The membership of the clean sustainable energy authority and the clean sustainable energy fund line of credit; and to provide for a transfer.

ND HB1592

The appointments, operations, and powers of the lignite research council, the powers of the industrial commission, and public record exemptions.

ND HB1275

Applicants for membership on the beef commission.

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 SB2227

The membership and duties of the health council.

ND HB1293

Election of city commissioners, city council members, and park district commissioners.

ND SB2009

The salary of the agriculture commissioner, the federal environmental law impact review committee, the environmental impact mitigation fund, and mitigating environmental impacts; to provide for a transfer; to provide an exemption; and to provide for a legislative management study.

ND SB2346

Applicants for membership on the beef commission.

ND SB2308

Occupational and professional boards, the midwest interstate passenger rail compact, prison industry advisory committee, energy policy commission, medical marijuana advisory committee, onsite wastewater recycling technical committee, state board of water well contractors, committee on aging, brain injury advisory council, early childhood council, unemployment insurance advisory council, commission on the status of women, health information technology advisory committee, poet laureate nominating board, rural development council, America 250 commission, atmospheric resource board, and Devils Lake outlet management advisory committee; to provide for a legislative management report; to provide an effective date; and to provide an expiration date.