Central ND News

Washington – Senator John Hoeven announced today that the U.S. Department of the Interior’s Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has approved a 10-year extension of North American Coal’s royalty rate of 2.2 percent for Freedom Mine in Beulah.

“Our state has abundant coal reserves, much of which is owned by taxpayers. Securing this reduced federal royalty rate for Freedom Mine comes as an important part of our efforts to ensure the reliability of the electrical grid and preserve access to affordable and reliable baseload power,” stated Senator Hoeven.

Hoeven highlighted the significance of the decision, stating, “This is the largest lignite mine in the U.S. and serves as an important source of coal for Basin Electric and the Dakota Gasification Company. Today’s announcement not only supports our energy security today, but also the future of our coal industry, as the Great Plains Synfuels plant is developing the largest coal-based CCUS project in the world.”

David Straley, Vice President of External Affairs for NACCO Natural Resources, expressed gratitude for the approval, saying, “We are pleased BLM approved the requested extension. They agreed that our application was allowed by law and regulation, and that it was based on actions designed to reduce emissions.”

Straley also acknowledged Senator Hoeven's efforts, stating, “We want to thank Senator Hoeven for his efforts to encourage a wise decision that is beneficial to all. He understands this approval will save millions of dollars in unnecessary cost increases to thousands of farmers, ranchers, and small businesses throughout North Dakota and many other mid-western states.”