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Dakota Resource Council

 

DRC WEEKLY LEGISLATIVE UPDATE

FEBRUARY 2, 2007

ACTION IN THE PAST WEEK:

Oil and Gas Bills

  • HB 1229:  Passed the House 83-6.  Originally worded to restrict oil or gas wells from being drilled within 660 feet of a residence, it was amended to 500 feet.  Aspects from a notification bill, HB 1182, were amended into HB 1229, which would require companies to notify owners of occupied dwellings ¼ mile from the proposed drilling sites of their intent to drill at least 20 days before applying for a permit.  We are hoping to amend the bill in the Senate to specify a distance of 1mile.
  • HB 1511: Was heard in the House Natural Resources Committee and received a 13-1 “do pass” recommendation.  DRC supports this bill, which would require that if a well has not produced oil or gas in paying quantities that it be promptly returned to production, approved for temporarily abandoned status or plugged and reclaimed within 6 months. If these conditions are not met, the commission has the authority to place that well on a single well bond that is equal to the cost of plugging and reclaiming the well. If the well has been in abandoned status for one year…all equipment and oil are subject to forfeiture to the commission. The Commission proposed amendments that we can support.  The bill now goes to House Appropriations and then to the floor of the House.

Ag Bills

  • HB 1420:  A bill that proposes to prevent townships and counties from enacting any regulations pertaining to a confined animal feeding operation that relate to health or the environment, has been referred to a subcommittee of the House Agriculture Committee consisting of Reps. Headland, Brandenburg and Onstad. DRC opposes this bill.
  • HB 1099: This bill would define two existing provisions in state law regarding proprietary information.  It passed the House 88-1 and an emergency was declared.  DRC is tracking this bill.

Renewable Energy Bills

  • HB 1506:  This bill would enact a statewide renewable and recycled energy objective of 10% by 2015.  It was amended and received a 13-0 “do pass” recommendation from the House Natural Resources Committee. DRC supports this bill.

ACTION IN THE COMING WEEK:
Ag Bills

  • SB 2331: (Sens. Erbele, Olafson, Wanzek and Reps. Belter, Heller and Onstad), similar to HB 1420 in hindering the abilities of counties and townships to zone confined animal feeding operations.  It would limit zoning activities to issues relating to number and types of animals.  Senate Agriculture Committee, Brynhild Haugland Room, Thursday, February 8, 10 a.m.
  • SB 2278:  (Sens. Wanzek, Heitkamp and Klein and Reps. Belter, Boe and D. Johnson),  Would create a state repository within the ND Department of Health for political subdivision zoning information regarding concentrated animal feeding operations, and would prevent such regulations from being enforced until they are filed with the state.  DRC is neutral on this bill.  Senate Agriculture Committee, Roosevelt Park Room, Friday, February 9, 9:15 a.m.
  • HCR 3007:  (Reps. Froelich, Kempenich, Kerzman and S. Meyer), A resolution urging Congress to not allow an increase in the beef check off unless there is a nationwide vote of beef producers.  DRC supports this resolution.  House Agriculture Committee, Peace Garden Room, Friday January 9, 9:45 a.m.
  • HCR 3033: (Reps. Froelich and S. Meyer), Would urge Congress not to allow imports of Canadian cattle over 3 months of age into the U.S.  House Agriculture Committee, Peace Garden Room, Friday January 9, 9:45 a.m.

Coal and Transmission Bills:

  • HB 1221: (Reps. Keiser, Delmore and Vigesaa and Sens. Heitkamp, Klein and Wanzek), This bill would allow companies to recoup expenses incurred meeting federal mandates by raising rates.  DRC is supports this bill and urges it be amended to repeal a current law that prevents the Public Service Commission from considering the impact of future environmental laws when evaluating utility plans.  House Industry, Business and Labor, Peace Garden Room, Wednesday, February 7, 8 a.m.

Renewable Energy Bills

  • HB 1317: (Reps. Brandenburg, Dahl, S. Kelsh and Kretschmar and Sens. Erbele and Wanzek), Would reduce the amount centrally assessed wind turbines are taxed.  We are monitoring this bill.  House Finance and Taxation Committee, Fort Totten Room, Tuesday, February 6, 9:15 a.m.
  • Agriculture Committee, Roosevelt Park Room, Thursday, February 1, 2:45 p.m.

Oil and Gas Bills

  • HB 1349:  (Reps. Kempenich, Erbele and Thoreson and Sens. Flakoll and Wardner), This bill would require that surface owners receive notice of drilling operations at the time the company applies for a drilling permit. DRC supports this bill but will asking for amendments.  House Natural Resources Committee, Pioneer Room, Tuesday, February 8, 8:30 a.m.

Other Bills

  • HCR 3040:  (Reps. Kerzman, Boucher and  Froelich and Sen. Krauter),  Would urge the U.S. trade Representative to change provisions in federal trade negotiations that impact the ability of states and communities to enact regulations protecting the health and welfare of citizens.  DRC supports this bill.   House Industry, Business and Labor, Peace Garden Room, Tuesday, February 6, 2:30 p.m.

 
 

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