Natural Resources

All of North Dakota's natural resources are vitally important to the economic prosperity of the state. While agriculture is the foundation of the state's economy the surge of activity in the energy sector is becoming a major economic factor as well, and water infrastructure - including municipal, rural and industrial water supply, flood control, and recreation - is necessary for economic growth and quality of life. The North Dakota Chamber believes we should develop all of our natural resources as strategic resources. We believe the market based system allows for the best use and development of natural resources. We support development and expansion of all energy sectors to increase North Dakota's energy industries and decrease our reliance on foreign energy. We support a balanced approach to the environmental stewardship and the economic opportunities regarding the use of natural resources and energy projects.

We oppose energy mandates, renewable portfolio standards and increases in goals unless a complete economic and environmental analysis is provided. We support legislative policies that keep all industries competing on an even playing field rather than allowing one industry more opportunity than another.

The North Dakota Chamber will:

• Support continued funding to complete North Dakota's water infrastructure for economic growth and quality of life.
• Support growth of all sectors of the energy industry.
• Support private expansion in all sectors of energy, while looking critically at state owned energy facilities.
• Support tax incentives for development of energy production facilities and transmission infrastructure.
• Oppose new regulation without proper justification.