Central ND News

U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND) expressed his satisfaction after the state of North Dakota's motion to intervene in a lawsuit against the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) was granted. The litigation, filed by the Sierra Club, involves 37 states, with North Dakota being the only one to intervene.

Cramer highlighted the issue of "sweetheart sue-and-settle deals" between the EPA and environmental groups, stating, "I'm glad to see Attorney General Wrigley was successful in intervening." He further criticized the Biden administration for disregarding the state's rights enshrined in the Clean Air Act and emphasized the need for North Dakota to defend its interests.

The litigation stems from North Dakota's latest state implementation plan for the federal Regional Haze Program, which aims to improve visibility in national parks and wilderness areas. Although the EPA acknowledged the sufficiency of North Dakota's plan, it has yet to take action within the statutory timeframe. This delay has allowed the Sierra Club, National Parks Conservation Association, and Environmental Integrity Project to file a lawsuit against the EPA.

North Dakota's plan recognizes that the state has already surpassed its targets and will continue to make progress without imposing significant cost increases on energy producers.

This recent development highlights North Dakota's commitment to protect its interests and challenge the EPA's actions. With the state's intervention in the litigation, it aims to ensure that its rights under the Clean Air Act are respected and upheld.

For additional details, please follow this link: https://www.cramer.senate.gov/news/press-releases/sen-cramer-statement-north-dakotas-motion-to-intervene-in-litigation-against-epa-granted