A bill that would have tied local infrastructure funding to support for state-approved energy and agricultural projects failed in the North Dakota Senate. Lawmakers rejected the measure 19-27 after a debate over local control and economic priorities. Supporters argued that communities benefiting from oil and gas taxes should not obstruct major projects, while opponents warned of government overreach. With tensions between industry and local governance at play, the debate underscored a larger question: Who gets to decide North Dakota’s energy future? Joey Harris with the Bismarck Tribune has the full story.
SB 2208
A BILL for an Act to amend and reenact sections 57-51.1-07.7 and 57-51.1-07.8 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to the municipal infrastructure fund and the county and township infrastructure fund.
House Sponsors: Brandenburg (R, District 28), Porter (R, District 34),
Senate Sponsors: Patten (R, District 26), Bekkedahl (R, District 1), Erbele (R, District 28), Kessel (R, District 39),
