News Releases : What is Lignite Vision 21

State of North Dakota's Involvement

"...The Lignite Vision 21 Program means hundreds of good paying jobs for North Dakotans.  The technology required by the program means a direct link between industry and our institutions of higher learning.  This kind of opportunity is what it takes to keep our best and brightest young people in North Dakota.  That's why it's so important that we as state leaders do all we can to streamline the permitting processes, reduce risk and move forward as quickly as possible to ensure a successful investment..." Governor John Hoeven

"...I'm pleased the Industrial Commission is committed to doing everything possible to encourage and expedite the Vision 21 Program.  This program represents a very real opportunity for North Dakota to shine as a leader in clean coal technologies, providing abundant energy to our region in an environmentally responsible manner..."  Attorney General Wayne Stenehjem

"...Mining, power generation and transmission have become as much a part of North Dakota's landscape as the waving wheat fields and pastures.  With our Lignite Vision 21 Program, the lignite industry will continue to be good stewards of our natural resources in producing energy, just as farmers and ranchers are good stewards of the resources they use in producing our food.  Best of all, the lignite industry has proven to be a great partner with agriculture in diversifying the economy of our state.  Their solid record of reclamation makes us all proud to have them as a part of our state..." Agriculture Commissioner Roger Johnson

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 Roger Johnson, who share this vision of a state of the art, coal based electric generating station for region.

Information on the State of North Dakota's Commitment

News Release: Industrial Commission Recommends Matching Funds for Lignite Vision 21 Project

Interested participants should contact: Jeff Burgess, Lignite Vision 21 Program Manager 1016 E Owens Ave., Bismarck, ND 58501 Phone: (701) 258-7117; Fax: (701) 258-2755 Email: jburgess@lignite.com

 

Lignite Vision 21 Program Web Site
(What is the Lignite Vision 21 Program)

Lignite Energy Council Web Site