Summary
– Gov. Doug Burgum criticizes the idea of electric vehicles in North Dakota due to cold temperatures
– The state Industrial Commission deferred funding a plan for EV infrastructure
– The plan would involve North Dakota, Minnesota, Montana, and South Dakota
– Burgum predicts brownouts and blackouts due to the limitations of EVs
– Approval was given for XTO Energy to test enhanced oil recovery techniques along the Little Missouri River
Article
In a recent meeting of the North Dakota Industrial Commission, Governor Doug Burgum expressed skepticism about the feasibility of electric vehicles (EVs) in the state. The commission was asked to provide funding for a Regional Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Resiliency Plan, which would address the challenges of developing reliable EV infrastructure in North Dakota and neighboring states. The plan, which has an overall price tag of $1.875 million, is also funded by federal agencies such as the Department of Energy and Department of Transportation. Burgum criticized federal incentives for EVs, stating that they do not take into account the limitations of electric vehicles in cold climates and may lead to issues with energy supply in the future.
The commission deferred the decision on funding the regional plan to gather more information, particularly on the financial contributions of other states involved in the initiative. Burgum also criticized Minnesota’s carbon-free energy standard, which requires utility providers to transition to 100% carbon-free electricity sources by 2040. He expressed concern about the impact on North Dakota’s coal-fired power plants that supply electricity to out-of-state customers, particularly in Minnesota. The commission is considering submitting comments to Minnesota regulators and potentially challenging the new regulation in court.
While North Dakota grapples with the challenges of implementing EV infrastructure, the North Dakota Department of Transportation has its own EV infrastructure program, receiving federal funds for networking databases and events. In a separate decision, the commission approved a permit for XTO Energy, a subsidiary of ExxonMobil, to test enhanced oil recovery techniques at wells along the Little Missouri River. This project is seen as a critical step in extending the life of North Dakota’s oil fields and marks an important innovation in the industry. Director of Mineral Resources Lynn Helms praised the initiative as an important move forward for the state’s oil and gas industry.
As discussions continue on the future of energy and transportation in North Dakota, the state faces complex challenges related to EV infrastructure, energy supply, and oil production. With the ongoing debate over the role of electric vehicles and renewable energy sources, policymakers and industry leaders must navigate conflicting priorities and interests. The decision-making process in the North Dakota Industrial Commission reflects a broader conversation about the transition to clean energy and sustainable practices in a state heavily reliant on fossil fuels. As North Dakota seeks to balance economic growth with environmental stewardship, the outcomes of these discussions will shape the state’s energy landscape for years to come.
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