NEWS
RELEASE: 09/04/2001
Burgess to Assist Lignite Vision 21 Program
BISMARCK
– Gov. John Hoeven, Chairman of the Industrial Commission, and John
Dwyer, President of the Lignite Energy Council, announced today that Jeff
Burgess will serve as Manager of Environmental Services for the Lignite
Vision 21 Program.
The
Lignite Energy Council manages the Lignite Vision 21 Program for the
Industrial Commission of North Dakota.
North
Dakota is committed to developing new coal-based power generation while
ensuring the industry continues to be good stewards of the environment,”
said Hoeven.
“Jeff’s leadership will help move our Lignite Vision 21 Program
forward.”
Earlier
this year, the Industrial Commission of North Dakota approved Great River
Energy and Montana-Dakota Utilities Co. grant applications for up to $10
million each. In addition, a third grant application from Great Northern
Power will be considered by the Lignite Research Council in mid-September
2001.
“Jeff’s
knowledge of environmental issues will be of great assistance as we move
forward. We welcome him to our partnership, and look forward to his
participation in this program,” said Dwyer.
Burgess
has occupied various positions in the Department of Health for the past
several years and serving as the Division Director of Air Quality since
1999. According
to Hoeven, Burgess will assist Clifford Porter, Director and Technical
Advisor, Lignite Research Council, in managing the Lignite Vision 21
Program.
“I
am really looking forward to assisting industry and the state in growing
the lignite industry and in developing solutions to the environmental
issues for the Lignite Vision 21 Program,” said Burgess.
Burgess
has a Master of Science degree in Environmental Engineering and is
presently completing a Masters in Public Administration from the
University of North Dakota.
The
Lignite Vision 21 Program is a state / industry partnership designed to
encourage construction of the next “state-of-the-art” baseload power
plant in North Dakota so it is available in the 2008-2010 timeframe.
As proposed, the Lignite Vision 21 Program is designed to meet
growing regional electrical needs and revitalize the lignite industry by
producing 3 million more tons of coal, creating 1,300 new jobs and
generating an additional $6 million annually in tax revenue.
The Lignite Research Program
is overseen by the Industrial Commission of North Dakota, consisting of
Governor John Hoeven as Chairman, Attorney General Wayne Stenehjem, and
Agriculture Commissioner Roger Johnson.
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