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.

HB 1453 would ban North Dakota state and local governments from engaging with "natural asset companies" - businesses that manage natural resources (like forests or water) to generate environmental benefits. The bill prohibits selling or leasing state-owned land to these companies, investing public funds in them, and allows lawsuits to reclaim land if violations occur. It would also prevent natural asset companies from operating in North Dakota by blocking their registration, business licenses, and any contracts with state entities. This directly affects state agencies, political subdivisions, and public fund managers, but does not impact private citizens or non-governmental activities.

Relating to the revocation of common carrier status of carbon dioxide pipelines; and to repeal section 38‑22‑10 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to the exercise of public domain in geological storage of carbon dioxide.

Relating to a prohibition on direct air carbon dioxide capture projects; to amend and reenact section 38‑08‑21 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to the authority of the industrial commission; to provide for application; and to provide an expiration date.