Previously, I have written about SB 2208 and HB 1258, calling it a bill to “blackmail local government”.
On Wednesday, February 12th a townhall meeting was held in Edgeley, North Dakota to discuss the challenges local land owners are having with various corporations and projects.
The meeting discussed concerns about the Jet X transmission line and its potential impact on landowners in South Central North Dakota. Key points included the misleading tactics used by companies to secure easements, such as promising high percentages of sign-ups and downplaying the line's true purpose.
The Summit Pipeline project was highlighted, with issues of eminent domain and the erosion of private property rights.
The Northwest Landowners Association and their legal battles against such projects were mentioned, emphasizing the need for community involvement and legislative action to protect landowner rights. The meeting concluded with a call to action for landowners to unite and advocate for their interests.
Local residents in the surrounding areas express strong opposition to the installation of power lines, citing concerns about property values, environmental impact, and safety.
They propose forming a unified association to combat the issue, referencing the Northwest Landowners Association as a potential ally. They highlight the lack of liability on the part of the power companies, citing past incidents where severe weather caused damage and fires.
Additionally, they discuss upcoming Senate Bill 2208, which could limit local government rights, and urge attendance at a legislative session to oppose it. The conversation also touches on the potential health risks from electromagnetic fields and the need for community involvement in local and state governance.
About 200 local residents attended the meeting:
Here is the audio that I recorded from that event:
If you would like to watch the video, the administrators of the Everything Edgeley Facebook Page live streamed it and you can view it on their Facebook Page.
I encourage everyone, especially elected officials to listen/watch, to understand that there is a real grassroots movement going on here.
SB 2208 Hearing Held; Time Limited
The Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee discussed Senate Bill 2208, which aims to standardize regulations on major infrastructure projects across North Dakota. The bill excludes wind and solar projects but includes confined animal feeding operations. It penalizes political subdivisions that restrict energy infrastructure by withholding Prairie Dog funding. Supporters, including the North Dakota Farm Bureau and Petroleum Council, argue it promotes uniform regulations and supports energy development. Opponents, including county commissioners and the North Dakota Farmers Union, argue it undermines local control and property rights.
You can watch the whole hearing above, or use these snippets to see specific arguments on each side:
First, the sponsor, Senator Dale Patten explains his bill:
Followed by the testimony of supporters (in order):
Pete Hannibut, North Dakota Farm Bureau
Ron Ness, North Dakota Petroleum Council
Jason Bohrer, Lignite Energy Council
Erik Spencer, North Dakota Chamber of Commerce
Leslie Icenogle, North Dakota Corn Growers Association
And the testimony of opposition (in order):
Charlie Sorenson, Private Citizen
Matt Perdue, North Dakota Farmers Union
Aaron Birst, North Dakota Association of Counties
Larry Syverson, ND Township Officers Association
Ladd Erickson, McLean County States’ Attorney
Erin Magrum, Emmon County Commissioner
Troy Coons, Northwest Landowners Association
Dustin Gawrylow, ND Watchdog Network
Craig Miller, Emmon County Commissioner
The opposition time was limited to 45 minute, so many of the citizens did not have a chance to speak. But the sentiment of their positions can be heard in the audio above from the Edgeley Event.
In my testimony on SB 2208, I explained to one of the committee members how the small initial dollar impact is designed just to get the concept into law, and that it would be expanded to include blackmailing local government with all sorts of different funding programs:
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