Central ND News

Washington – Senator John Hoeven has called on U.S. Department of the Interior Secretary Deb Haaland to reconsider the restrictions on energy development in federal lands. Hoeven expressed concerns about the Interior Department's plans to limit access to federal lands for energy development and other purposes, emphasizing the importance of utilizing natural resources to benefit taxpayers and enhance energy security.

During a recent interaction, Hoeven raised specific issues regarding the draft North Dakota Resource Management Plan (RMP) and the Bureau of Land Management's (BLM) Public Lands Rule. He highlighted that the draft RMP for North Dakota would significantly restrict energy development by closing off leasing opportunities for oil, gas, and coal acreage in the state. Hoeven emphasized the challenges posed by the split-estate ownership situation in North Dakota, where federal minerals are often intertwined with state or privately-owned minerals.

Moreover, Hoeven pointed out the potential limitations on new coal leasing proposed in the RMP and emphasized the importance of coal mining projects in North Dakota, such as Project Tundra and Coal Creek, in advancing carbon capture initiatives.

In addition to the concerns raised about the RMP, Hoeven urged Secretary Haaland to reconsider the recently finalized BLM Public Lands Rule, which could hinder multiple-use requirements on federal lands. The senator emphasized the significance of allowing federal lands for various purposes like grazing, energy production, and recreation, particularly in states like North Dakota that heavily rely on access to federal lands.

Hoeven is planning to introduce a Congressional Review Act (CRA) resolution along with Senator John Barrasso to challenge the BLM Public Lands Rule and its potential impacts on federal land management.

The discussions between Senator Hoeven and Secretary Haaland underscore the ongoing debate surrounding energy development on federal lands and the need to balance resource utilization with environmental and economic considerations.