Central ND News

At a recent Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee hearing, Senator John Hoeven addressed nominees Katharine MacGregor and James Danly, highlighting the U.S. strategy for energy dominance. MacGregor is the proposed Deputy Secretary of the Interior, a position she held in the first Trump administration. Danly is nominated for the Deputy Secretary of Energy, having previously served on the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission from 2020 to 2023.

Hoeven emphasized the need to "roll back burdensome rules at the Bureau of Land Management," referencing the Public Lands Rule. This rule proposes changes to the management of over 245 million acres of taxpayer-owned lands, including conservation leases. He also discussed the Resource Management Plan for North Dakota, which affects federal oil, gas, and coal leasing in the state.

Another aspect of the discussion focused on simplifying regulatory processes and ensuring timely permits, particularly under the National Environmental Policy Act. Hoeven highlighted the importance of maintaining multiple uses for federal lands, such as energy development, grazing, and tourism.

The reliability of the electrical grid was also underlined, with Hoeven advocating for increased access to baseload power such as coal. This endeavor includes advancing carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) technology.

Hoeven remarked, "Our vast coal, oil, and gas reserves make up our nation’s most strategic asset, and we’re committed to working with the Trump administration to roll back the policy mistakes of the past four years and make our nation truly energy dominant.” He further acknowledged MacGregor and Danly's prior experience and their potential roles in fulfilling the nation's energy requirements.