State of North Dakota's Involvement
The North Dakota Industrial Commission, made up of the state's Governor, Attorney General and Agriculture Commissioner, shares the vision of a growing, vibrant lignite industry. Their recognition of the importance of the lignite industry to the state's future is pivotal in bringing the Lignite Vision 21 Program to reality. Involved from the very beginning, the Industrial Commission's leadership for the Lignite Vision 21 Program will help earn the trust and support of investors, consumers and the general public. As the state's leading economic development advocates, their bipartisan effort ensures a measure of success not otherwise attainable.
The North Dakota Legislature has also emphasized in state law that it is an essential state government policy "...to assist with the development and wise use of North Dakota's vast lignite resources by supporting a lignite research, development and marketing program that promotes economic, efficient and clean uses of lignite and products derived from lignite in order to maintain and enhance development of North Dakota lignite..." (NDCC 54-17.5-01).
The state of North Dakota, through its Industrial Commission and the Legislature, has an effective public / private partnership with the lignite industry.
The lignite industry appreciates the opportunity to work with Governor John Hoeven, Attorney General Wayne Stenehjem and Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring, who share the vision of new lignite-based energy conversion facilities