Environment

This bill would require oil and gas operators in North Dakota to restore land disturbed by their activities (like well sites, pipelines, and facilities) as close as possible to its original condition before disturbance. Key provisions include mandating the preservation and documented use of suitable plant growth material from the site for reclamation, requiring a pre-disturbance meeting with the state commission to plan this, and needing commission approval before land disturbance begins. The commission could also waive reclamation requirements after decommissioning with proper documentation. The bill does not apply to properly reclaimed pits or abandoned pipelines.

HCR 3009 is a North Dakota legislative resolution urging the federal government to adopt trade policies that penalize countries with high pollution levels (like China and Russia) while supporting U.S. businesses and workers. It specifically calls for holding foreign producers to environmental standards comparable to U.S. domestic rules, aiming to reduce reliance on imports from high-emission countries and boost domestic manufacturing. The resolution directly affects U.S. industries and workers by advocating for trade rules that address environmental and economic concerns raised by North Dakota, including mineral supply chain vulnerabilities. It does not create new laws but formally requests federal action, with North Dakota’s legislature directing copies to U.S. leaders and its congressional delegation. The resolution focuses on policy changes to align trade with environmental accountability, without specifying exact mechanisms like tariffs.

This North Dakota concurrent resolution (HCR 3024) requests that the U.S. Congress transfer management of the state's national grasslands - over 1 million acres currently overseen by the U.S. Forest Service - to the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). It argues the NRCS better aligns with the original purpose of the Bankhead-Jones Farm Tenant Act, which established these grasslands to control erosion, conserve resources, and support agricultural lands. The resolution does not change management itself but urges Congress to act on this recommendation. It directly affects North Dakota's national grassland properties and their conservation management approach.

This North Dakota resolution urges Congress to create federal protections for the wild horse herd at Theodore Roosevelt National Park. It highlights the herd's historical connection to Theodore Roosevelt's era, its role in preserving North Dakota's cultural identity, and its economic benefits through tourism. The resolution specifically requests Congress enact legislation to ensure the long-term health and preservation of the herd. As a concurrent resolution, it does not create law but formally requests federal action.

Relating to conservation easements and leaseholds; and to amend and reenact sections 4.1‑01‑21, 4.1‑01‑21.1, and 49‑22‑09.2 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to the federal environmental law impact review fund, the environmental impact mitigation fund, and mitigating environmental impacts; and to declare an emergency.

SCR 4004 is a joint resolution designating April 21-28, 2025, as "North Dakota Dark Sky Week." It urges building owners, operators, and tenants to voluntarily reduce unnecessary lighting during migration seasons to help protect birds and reduce light pollution. The resolution specifically encourages participation in observing and supporting dark sky resources, without creating new legal requirements or penalties.