Environment

SB 2325 requires property owners granting nonfederal easements on North Dakota wetlands to first obtain a verified "ordinary high water mark" determination from the Department of Water Resources or a federal agency. Existing easements granted before August 1, 2025, must also get this verification by that date. Easement holders must record the easement, water mark determination, and a map with the county recorder. If water levels exceed the marked high water level, the easement holder is liable for civil damages to affected crops, roads, rail infrastructure, or private property.

HCR 3017 is a symbolic resolution designating December 6th as "Miner's Day" in North Dakota to honor coal miners. It recognizes coal miners' contributions to providing reliable, affordable energy (supplying 55% of the state's electricity) and supporting the economy ($5.5 billion in business activity, 12,000 jobs). The resolution urges the federal government to repeal the 2009 Endangerment Finding and revise regulations it claims disadvantage coal, while promoting carbon capture and coal-based technologies. This is a non-binding resolution with no legal effect, solely intended to publicly acknowledge coal miners' work and advocate for federal policy changes.

HCR 3016 is a non-binding resolution passed by North Dakota's legislature urging state and federal officials to maintain policies supporting carbon capture technology and CO₂ utilization for enhanced oil recovery. It highlights that CO₂ from energy and agriculture facilities can unlock additional oil production in the Bakken Formation - potentially adding billions of barrels - and supports North Dakota's oil industry (which contributes $8 million daily in tax revenue) and coal sector (12,000 jobs). The resolution specifically asks the federal government to incentivize CO₂ use in oil recovery and partner with North Dakota to advance these technologies. It does not create new laws but encourages existing policy continuity to boost energy security and economic benefits.

HB 1611 requires North Dakota's legislative management to conduct a study during the 2025-26 interim on environmental and public health risks from oil and chemical spills on state highways within the Fort Berthold Reservation. The study must include input from the Three Affiliated Tribes, the Department of Environmental Quality, and the Department of Health and Human Services. It mandates that the legislative management report findings, recommendations, and any needed legislation to the next legislative assembly. The bill directly affects tribal communities and state agencies managing highway safety and environmental risks on reservation lands. (Note: The bill failed to pass in February 2025, but the summary describes its intended purpose.)