Summary
– Governor Doug Burgum criticized the idea of electric vehicles in North Dakota due to concerns about cold temperatures affecting their performance
– The state Industrial Commission deferred funding a regional plan for EV infrastructure, requesting more information on the costs and contributions from other states
– A four-state plan led by North Dakota, Minnesota, Montana, and South Dakota aims to address challenges in developing reliable EV infrastructure in the region
– Burgum also expressed concerns about federal incentives for EVs impacting baseload power providers like North Dakota’s coal-fired power plants
– The commission also approved a permit for XTO Energy to test enhanced oil recovery techniques in North Dakota’s oil fields.
Article
Governor Doug Burgum expressed skepticism about electric vehicles in North Dakota and criticized the idea as the state Industrial Commission deferred funding for a regional plan for EV infrastructure. The commission was asked to provide $375,000 for the Regional Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Resiliency Plan, which would address challenges in developing reliable EV infrastructure in North Dakota, Minnesota, Montana, and South Dakota. The commission requested more information on the plan and deferred the decision to the next meeting. Burgum raised concerns about federal incentives for EVs and their impact on baseload power providers like North Dakota’s coal-fired power plants.
Burgum also questioned federal agencies’ understanding of the limitations of electric vehicles in cold climates, predicting potential brownouts and blackouts in the future. He criticized Minnesota for its carbon-free energy standard, which requires utility providers to transition to 100% carbon-free electricity sources by 2040, potentially impacting North Dakota’s electricity exports to Minnesota. The Industrial Commission is considering submitting comments to Minnesota regulators and potentially challenging the new rule in court. The North Dakota Department of Transportation has a separate EV infrastructure program with nearly $26 million in federal funds, including a networking database and a virtual event in May.
In addition to the discussions on electric vehicles, the commission approved a permit for XTO Energy to test enhanced oil recovery techniques at wells along the Little Missouri River. Director of Mineral Resources Lynn Helms highlighted the importance of developing enhanced oil recovery to extend the life of North Dakota’s oil fields, noting that XTO Energy is a subsidiary of ExxonMobil. This project will bring a fourth technology innovation to the table, alongside three other ongoing projects testing different technologies for enhanced oil recovery in the Bakken region. The commission sees this project as a critical step forward in maximizing the productivity of North Dakota’s oil fields.
The funding for the Regional Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Resiliency Plan remains on hold as the commission seeks further information about the plan and the contributions from other states involved. Burgum’s concerns about the impact of federal incentives for EVs on baseload power providers and potential electricity export limitations to states like Minnesota highlight the complexities and challenges in transitioning to electric vehicles in states like North Dakota. The discussions around EV infrastructure and enhanced oil recovery demonstrate the ongoing balancing act between promoting renewable energy sources and supporting traditional industries like oil and gas in North Dakota. As the state navigates these transitions, collaboration between state agencies, utility providers, and federal agencies will be crucial in developing sustainable energy solutions for the future.
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