North Dakota Rural Water Systems Association - News and Facts from NDRW

BISMARCK — U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND), a Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee member, hosted events in North Dakota today with Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Michael Regan.

“Even though I knew we would not always agree on policy, I voted to confirm Michael Regan as EPA Administrator Regan because he gave me his word he would engage in a productive dialogue with North Dakotans, who have valuable insight to offer on America’s environmental policy,” said Senator Cramer. “I am grateful the Administrator took steps to fulfill that promise today, hearing from our constituents about their concerns and the solutions they offer. I look forward to following up with the EPA on what we heard today and to continuing this meaningful partnership.”

“I want to thank Senator Cramer for organizing a productive visit to North Dakota this week, affording me an opportunity to hear directly from those in the state about innovation and new technologies to reduce climate pollution,”said Administrator Regan. “I made this visit a priority early in my tenure because EPA and the Biden administration are committed to listening to and engaging with stakeholders all across the country. I look forward to continued engagement with North Dakota on efforts to reduce carbon emissions and reach the goal of carbon neutrality.”

Their day began with a working breakfast where the Administrator received a briefing about Project Tundra, an ongoing effort to install carbon capture utilization and storage (CCUS) technology at Minnkota Power Cooperative’s Milton R. Young Station near Center, North Dakota. The retrofit of the coal-fired power plant will enable 90 percent of carbon dioxide emissions to be captured and permanently stored underground. This meeting aligns with a commitment Administrator Regan made to Senator Cramer during his confirmation process, where he agreed to consult rural electric cooperatives on EPA regulations.

The morning continued with a listening session convened by Senator Cramer where leaders in the state’s energy and agricultural communities were able to share their insights with the EPA Administrator on a variety of policy decisions the agency is making. The senator and administrator were joined at the listening session by Senator John Hoeven, Representative Kelly Armstrong, Governor Doug Burgum, Attorney General Wayne Stenehjem, Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring, and Environmental Quality Director David Glatt. 

Senator Cramer announced today’s visit last week, which serves as a follow up to the senator’s work with Administrator Regan during his confirmation process. The senator publicly and privately outlined North Dakota’s views on EPA issues several times during that process. This led to Senator Cramer announcing his support for Administrator Regan’s nomination after he received sufficient commitments to engage with North Dakotans on regulations which impact them, a commitment the administrator was fulfilling in-part on today’s trip.