“Most states on track to meet emissions targets they call burden, but not North Dakota” That was a headline from Reuters over the weekend what detailed how many states (but not, you know, North Dakota) are on track to comply with the Obama administration’s Clean Power Plan even as some of those states are suing over…
Jason Bohrer: Polling Shows the People Support Clean Coal
The benefits of coal-based electricity to North Dakota include low electricity costs for homes and businesses, more than 14,000 jobs in the state, and $100 million in annual tax revenues. The coal industry makes our lives better every day, so it’s no wonder the Lignite Energy Council’s newest poll shows voters strongly support coal as…
Megan Babel: North Dakota’s Falkirk Mine Leads the Nation in Drone-Based Mine Surveying Techniques
It takes imagination to look at a new, mostly recreational-based technology and make a connection to its use in the coal mining industry, but the Technical Group at North American Coal’s Falkirk Mining Company did just that. Their vision helped the Falkirk Mine become the nation’s first surface coal mine to operate a survey drone…
Market-Distorting, Wind-Friendly Public Policy Needs to Go
The closing of the Stanton Station coal plant in central North Dakota has clearly struck a nerve in the state. This despite the fact that the plant was small, old, and not one that was providing base load power for the region. It got the attention of our Public Service Commission, the folks in charge…
The Stanton Station coal-fired power plant operated by Great River Energy. It is scheduled to be shut down in May of 2017. Photo via Great River Energy
Connie Krapp: At What Cost Wind and Not Coal?
Last week, Great River Energy announced it will shut down its coal-based Stanton Station power plant. If nothing changes in our federal government’s approach to electricity supply, we in North Dakota can expect more coal plants to go down—and more wind farms to go up. But before we bless another wind farm in this state,…
Mike Jones: North Dakota Leads in Clean Coal Technology
As the United States and countries throughout the world seek ways to reduce man-made CO2 emissions, the state of North Dakota will be a leader in finding a solution for low-rank coals such as lignite while continuing to supply affordable and reliable electricity. North Dakota has several unique characteristics: A state-industry R&D partnership with a…
Judges: Minnesota’s Anti-Coal Law Is Unconstitutional
It’s somewhat ironic that Attorney General Wayne Stenehjem got a big victory from the 8th Circuit Court of Appeals the day after getting a primary day shellacking from his gubernatorial race opponent Doug Burgum. But politics aside, this is a big deal. To catch you up, in 2007 the State of Minnesota created a law…
Kevin Cramer: Donald Trump Has The Right Energy Policies For North Dakota
During the 2008 presidential election, Mr. Obama made clear his intentions to bankrupt the coal industry. During the past eight years in office, the President has systematically implemented a regulatory playbook that seeks to force utilities to stop burning coal, keep coal producers from mining, and restrict access to global coal markets. All to achieve…
Jason Bohrer: When It Comes To Coal The United States Needs To Lead
This Administration’s “War on Coal” seems a misguided way to lead the world when it comes to tomorrow’s energy sources. Countries around the world are increasingly looking at coal because it is the cheapest source of fuel that can be used to produce low-cost electricity, a key component of a modern and progressive society. Rather…
“We Need To Stand Up For Coal Country” Says Noted Hillary Clinton Supporter
Back in March Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton said her policies would “put a lot of coal miners and coal companies out of business.” That comment has come to haunt Clinton. In West Virginia it lost her the backing of an influential organization of coal miners. But Clinton doesn’t seem to have lost the support…
