Earlier today I vented a bit about local leaders in western North Dakota who, even after legislators announced some $800 million in “surge” funding to meet needs, seem to think that no amount of money will ever be enough to address oil impacts. What frustrates me about this debate is that we spend a lot…
Vicky Steiner Column: Fargo Forum Gets It Wrong On Western North Dakota Funding
An editorial was printed in the Fargo Forum related to funding being provided to western ND. We would like to provide a few facts that may change the opinions expressed on the matter. The state of North Dakota returned $1.044 billion, not $2.5 billion, for several units of local government – counties, cities, townships, and…
Steve Holen Column: "Extraordinary Places" Oil Drilling Regs Sound Good, But Are Bad Policy
While the concept of Extraordinary Places may sound good in theory, in practice it takes away local control, sets a dangerous legal precedent and erodes the rights of private property owners. No one is more committed to protecting the land in oil country than the people who live there. That’s why the North Dakota Association…