Energy

Relating to the membership of the clean sustainable energy authority and the clean sustainable energy fund line of credit; and to provide for a transfer.

Relating to a rail revolving loan fund and uses of the abandoned oil and gas well plugging and site reclamation fund; to amend and reenact subsection 7 of section 6‑08.1‑02 and sections 6‑09‑35, 6‑09‑46.2, 6‑09.7‑05, 6‑09.14‑04, and 49‑17.1‑02.1, subsection 1 of section 54‑17‑40, and subdivision a of subsection 4 of section 54‑17.7‑04 of the North Dakota Century Code, and section 15 of chapter 14 of the 2023 Session Laws, relating to confidential and exempt records of the Bank of North Dakota, the rebuilders loan program, loan guarantees through the strategic investment and improvements fund, interest rate buydown limits for the partnership in assisting community expansion fund, department of transportation review and approval of rail projects, uses of the housing incentive fund, North Dakota pipeline borrowing authority, and a salt cavern underground energy storage research project; to repeal section 3 of Senate Bill No. 2188, as approved by the sixty-ninth legislative assembly, relating to a transfer from the strategic investment and improvements fund to the clean sustainable energy fund; to provide a deficiency appropriation; to provide for a transfer; to provide an exemption; to provide for a legislative management study; to provide for a legislative management report; to provide for a report; to provide an effective date; and to declare an emergency.

SB 2143 amends North Dakota law concerning the funding of the state energy research center fund. This bill establishes a continuing appropriation, ensuring that revenue will be automatically deposited into the fund without needing annual legislative approval. The measure aims to provide a consistent financial basis for the state's energy research efforts. However, this continuing appropriation is set to expire on a specific date.

SB 2360 directs North Dakota's legislature to conduct a study during the 2025-26 interim on developing geothermal energy within the state. The study must evaluate North Dakota's geology for geothermal potential, support startup companies in the sector, explore using geothermal energy in existing oil and gas wells, and identify other opportunities for geothermal development. It does not create new laws but requires the legislature to report findings and any needed legislation to the next legislative assembly. This study directly affects state lawmakers and future energy policy decisions, focusing on assessing feasibility before potential policy action.

Relating to renewable electricity and recycled energy credits; and to repeal section 49‑02‑30 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to energy from hydroelectric facilities.