Proposals would fosters responsible oil and gas development

(Bismarck, N.D.) – Dem-NPL legislators today announced the introduction of legislation aimed at “smart oversight” of the development of North Dakota’s oil and gas resources. The three bills would provide sensible separation of the regulation and promotion of oil and natural gas development, meaningful transparency with regard to the Industrial Commission’s settlement of fines, and safeguards in the siting and placement of gathering and saltwater pipelines.

“The heart of the ‘smart oversight’ initiative is sensible regulation, not necessarily more …

Bill would create Rail Safety Committee, provide funding for safety improvements

(BISMARCK, N.D.) – During a press conference Thursday, Senator George Sinner, D-Fargo, announced the introduction legislation addressing rail safety. The bill, SB 2293 creates a 5-member Rail Safety Committee and reallocates the special fuels excise tax paid by railroads on diesel fuel into a rail safety fund controlled by the Public Service Commission.

Since 2006, there have been 948 total accidents/incidents involving rails or rail cars in the state of North Dakota, including 170 derailments …

Amid falling oil prices, Dem-NPL leaders call on GOP to scrap income tax elimination plan, work together to reform property taxes and maintain stable state budget

(BISMARCK, N.D.) – In response to Governor Jack Dalrymple’s state of the state address, House and Senate Dem-NPL leaders, Representative Kenton Onstad and Senator Mac Schneider, today called for urgent action to address oil impacts and long-term investments to diversify North Dakota’s economy in the decades beyond the current biennium. The legislative leaders also called on the GOP majority to …