Public News Service

In the past decade, the U.S. Energy Department said 2,555 North Dakota homes, occupied by people with limited incomes, have been weatherized. The free upgrades include furnace repairs, insulation and sealing drafty windows. (Adobe Stock)

Tuesday, September 17, 2024

An under-the-radar profession could use a helping hand

September is Workforce Development Month and North Dakota offices managing energy assistance programs hope people in need of a fresh career start will…

Food waste is the biggest source of methane emissions at landfills. (Adobe Stock)

ND hunger-relief orgs play role in reducing carbon emissions

A new report said food banks across the globe are helping to significantly decrease carbon emissions and localized efforts are taking shape in North D…

Federal officials said modernizing the power grid, including adding space for renewables, could make it more resilient in the face of climate-change-linked disasters, fueled by the use of fossil fuels. (Adobe Stock)

ND grid project could help keep lights on, aid regional workforce

American Clean Power Week runs through Friday and a planned project for the North Dakota region, to open up more space on the electric grid, is …

Researchers with the think tank Energy Innovation say despite critics' claims, growing renewable energy deployment has actually been shown to produce electricity cost savings. (Adobe Stock)

Is your electric bill higher? Independent analysis says don't blame clean energy

Advancing clean energy sources can be a tricky topic in oil-producing states like North Dakota. But a nonpartisan analysis says the facts are clear …

North Dakota's Pembina Gorge Recreation Area will soon become the state's 14th state park, with a 55-site campground and six all-season full-service cabins. (Photo courtesy of North Dakota Parks and Recreation Department)

New ND state park adds weight to Great Outdoors Month messaging

As temperatures warm up, people are enjoying nature - and North Dakota officials hope to see many more do so in the future as a new state park comes …

The Environmental Defense Fund said methane emissions from oil and gas wells, including abandoned sites which were never capped, remain a significant driver of short-term climate change. (Adobe Stock)

North Dakota gets more federal funds to cap abandoned oil wells

A new round of federal funding is coming North Dakota's way to help plug dozens of abandoned oil wells. The U.S. Department of the Interior this …

Calls for building out vast electric-vehicle charging networks have become a thorny issue in oil-producing states such as North Dakota. But EV owners say elected leaders need to realize some automakers are still making a strong push, despite their opposition. (Adobe Stock)

EV owners in ND: Less politics, more charging stations

It might not be surprising that North Dakota ranks low for electric vehicle adoption, but existing owners say they are frustrated elected officials …

North Dakota, South Dakota, Iowa, Minnesota and Nebraska are among the states included in a proposed pipeline project pitched by Summit Carbon Solutions, where emissions from ethanol plants would be captured and stored underground. (Adobe Stock)

New hearings, same arguments on both sides for ND pipeline project

A round of public testimony wrapped up this week as part of renewed efforts by a company seeking permit approval in North Dakota for an underground pi…

While they remain listed as endangered, federal officials say the whooping crane's recovery from the brink of extinction is one of the most notable success stories under the Endangered Species Act. (Adobe Stock)

Endangered Species Act gets another makeover, drawing partial praise

The Biden administration is moving forward with plans it says will strengthen the Endangered Species Act, after it saw a major overhaul under former …

Summit Carbon Solutions had initially hoped to begin construction this year on its carbon dioxide pipeline project for several Midwestern states. However, most of the actions so far have centered around public hearings, legal arguments and regulatory setbacks. (Adobe Stock)

Dakotas among states still weighing controversial pipeline plan

New public hearings and legal decisions are expected in the coming weeks and months about a controversial pipeline project in the upper Midwest…

Because of their large batteries, electric school buses can be used as backup power sources for utilities when they are not in use during the summer. (Adobe Stock)

'Checking under the hood' of the electric school bus movement

Most school buses on the nation's roadways are still powered by diesel engines but in North Dakota and elsewhere, there is hope about the push to …

In a new poll, 85% of North Dakota voters said they probably wouldn't buy an electric car the next time they purchased a vehicle. (Adobe Stock)

Poll on climate change shows some in ND yet to be convinced

North Dakota voters are divided on climate change matters, according to new polling data. To get more community buy-in for climate solutions…

In a multistate project, Summit Carbon Solutions wants to capture carbon emissions from Midwestern ethanol plants and run those emissions through a maze of pipelines to be stored underground in North Dakota. (Adobe Stock)

ND law at center of carbon pipeline fight now under scrutiny

A North Dakota lawmaker is calling into question a state law change that drew a lot of attention this week. At issue is a regulatory decision for a …

North Dakota has joined Minnesota, Virginia and Arkansas to take part in a national pilot project that pays farmers for every acre they use for conservation practices, such as cover crops. (Adobe Stock)

ND chosen for 'climate smart' farming pilot project

North Dakota is one of four states chosen for a federally funded pilot program to spur more interest in farmers to reduce their carbon footprint…

According to the National Family Farm Coalition, the average U.S. farmland value is now $3,800 per <br />acre, the highest since the 1970s. (Adobe Stock)

ND farmers still navigate corporate land-ownership policy maze

North Dakota's farming landscape is seeing policy shifts dealing with corporate ownership of agricultural interests. Now, there's fresh debate at the …

Former President Barack Obama's administration had rejected the Dakota Access oil pipeline over concerns about the impact on tribal lands, but it was revived under the Trump administration. (Adobe Stock)

Tribal advocates want more public accommodations for DAPL process

Public comment on an aspect of the controversial Dakota Access oil pipeline runs through mid-December. In the meantime, Native American voices are …

One of North Dakota's more popular hunting seasons, the firearm deer season, runs for roughly two weeks each November. (Adobe Stock)

Tips for protecting natural resources while hunting this fall

North Dakota's firearm deer-hunting season kicks off Nov. 10, and pheasant hunting is already underway. Conservation voices have some guidance on how …

Summit Carbon Solutions is seeking land agreements and permit approval in several Midwestern states, including North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Nebraska and Iowa, for a proposed pipeline that would collect carbon emissions from ethanol plants and store them underground. (Adobe Stock)

After ND Permit Rejection, Carbon Pipeline Opponents Won't Rest

Groups tracking energy policy in the Midwest are sizing up the impact of North Dakota's decision to decline a permit for a controversial pipeline proj…

Farm organizations tracking the emergence of gene editing tools for seeds say it could lead to less stress on farmland, while reducing growing costs for producers. (Adobe Stock)

'Designer Seeds' Poised to Transform Agriculture

In the future, the food you eat could be grown from seeds developed with gene editing tools. As scientists tinker with crop DNA, North Dakota farmer …

A new U.S. Geological Survey study confirms that PFAS, or

Study: 'Forever Chemicals' Found in 45% of U.S. Faucets

A new government study estimates nearly half of the nation's tap water has at least one type of Per-and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS), also known …

Researchers in North Dakota say they've been able to examine the structures of two decommissioned wind blades in different conditions. Inside, they found materials such as thick layers of Fiberglas and balsa wood or foam, sandwiched between thin layers of Fiberglas. (Photo courtesy of EERC)

Recycling Renewables: Giving New Life to Wind, Solar Energy Parts

As Earth Month wraps up, more attention is being given to how to make use of wind and solar components at the end of their useful lives - and it …

Earlier this month, North Dakota's governor issued an executive order declaring a statewide emergency in response to spring flooding. (Adobe Stock)

Flood Preparedness 101: Tips Resurface in ND After Big Snowmelt

North Dakota is no stranger to spring floods, but after several late winter bursts, rapid snowmelt has led to heightened concerns about rivers …

Wetlands are areas where water covers the soil, or is present at or near the surface of the soil, all year or for varying periods of time, including during the growing season, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. (Adobe Stock)

ND Shares in Wetland Restoration Funds for 'Prairie Pothole' Region

Funding priorities under the federal Inflation Reduction Act continue to roll out, and they include a new effort for North Dakota and surrounding …

Last year's federal Inflation Reduction Act expanded the tax credit for direct air-carbon capture by 360%. A new study questions whether state and federal governments should be subsidizing the approach to carbon removal. (Adobe Stock)

Ahead of Public Debate in ND, New Study Examines Carbon Capture

A series of public hearings will begin in March on a proposed pipeline project to bring underground storage of carbon dioxide to North Dakota…

Coal dust is one of several sources of soot, the fine particulate matter which has major effects on people's health. (Adobe Stock)

EPA Hears from Public, Clean Air Groups on 'Soot Standards'

The federal government is gathering public input on improving air-quality standards for soot. Environmental voices in the Midwest and elsewhere say …

Facilities manager Wes Davis at Turtle Mountain Community College is at work at his desk. A miniature wind turbine sits on its surface. (Photo by Jessica Plance/Homegrown Stories)

A Vision for Tribal Sovereignty Through Sustainable Energy

By Jessica Plance for Homegrown Stories via The Daily Yonder.Broadcast version by Mike Moen for Prairie News Service for the Public News Service/Daily…

If it secures all the necessary permits and land agreements, Summit Carbon Solutions says it hopes to have its multi-state underground carbon pipeline operational sometime in 2024. (Adobe Stock)

Local Ordinances Enter Carbon Pipeline Debate

There's a new dynamic in the fight over a proposed carbon pipeline for North Dakota and other Midwestern states. Counties are exploring drafting …

The Environmental Defense Fund estimates methane emissions account for at least 25% of global warming. (Adobe Stock)

Study: Oilfield Gas Flares More Harmful than Previously Thought

A new study found gas flaring in oil-producing states like North Dakota is not as effective in limiting harmful emissions when compared to long-standi…

With more certainty surrounding federal tax credits, supporters of renewable energy say developers will give the green light to more projects in the coming years. (Adobe Stock)

Measuring the Inflation Reduction Act's Economic Potential for ND

The Inflation Reduction Act has made headlines for clean energy provisions and prescription drug cost reform for Medicare recipients. A labor leader …

Summit Carbon solutions has been seeking voluntary land agreements with private property owners in multiple states for its underground carbon storage project. (Adobe Stock)

ND Landowners Continue Mobilization in Opposing Carbon Pipeline

Next week, North Dakota landowners will get a chance to hear updates on a proposed underground pipeline for transporting and sequestering carbon …

Supporters of storing carbon emissions from ethanol plants underground tout the benefits in the threat of climate change. But opponents say it would likely result in greater reliance on fossil fuels. (Adobe Stock)

ND Landowners Build Opposition to Land Use for Carbon Pipeline

The list of North Dakota counties voicing concerns about a proposed carbon-emissions pipeline is growing longer. Several are now on record opposing …

PFAS are used in a wide range of products, including cookware. Scientists say as a result, most humans have been exposed to these harmful chemicals at some point in their lives. (Adobe Stock)

Grassroots Awareness Builds about 'Forever Chemicals'

Compared to other states, North Dakota has not seen a lot of documented water contamination from the "forever chemicals" known as Perfluorinated and …

Without enough support for sustainable agriculture, some industry groups say extreme weather events will put more pressure on farmers and ranchers, leading to higher food prices. (Adobe Stock)

Climate Report Spurs Calls for Diversity in Ag Production

After last year's extreme drought in states such as North Dakota, a new United Nations report found it will be harder to adapt to future effects …

When it comes to sustainable agriculture, North Dakota ranks in the middle of the pack for practices such as cover crops. But it has made big gains in recent years. (Adobe Stock)

USDA Program Adds New Twists to Selling Sustainable Agriculture

Farmers in North Dakota and across the U.S. have been encouraged to adopt climate-friendly practices. The federal government is adding financial …

Chronic wasting disease has been found in deer, elk and moose in at least 26 states, including North Dakota. (Adobe Stock)

Conservation Groups Hope Congress Comes Through with CWD Relief

The spread of chronic wasting disease in deer and elk is a concern in North Dakota. Conservation groups hope bills making their way through Congress …

During the industrial era, the U.N. says, methane emissions have accounted for nearly 30% of global warming. (Adobe Stock)

U.N. Report Reinforces Methane Concerns in ND

MANDAREE, N.D. -- The climate-change threat has been described as a "code red for humanity" as part of a new United Nations report on global warming…

When it's extremely hot, energy-efficiency experts say even just raising your thermostat a degree or two during certain times can help reduce grid demand. (Adobe Stock)

Before Cranking Up the AC, Think of the Energy Burden

BISMARCK, N.D. - It's been tempting for North Dakota residents to blast their air conditioners during the early-summer heat wave. With hot and sticky …

In oil-dependent states such as North Dakota, carbon-capture technology for fossil-fuel plants has become a controversial strategy in the effort to reduce harmful emissions. (Adobe Stock)

ND Governor's Carbon Goals Met With Mixed Response

BISMARCK, N.D. -- Gov. Doug Burgum wants North Dakota to be carbon-neutral by the end of the decade, and while environmentalists applaud his desire …

President Joe Biden has set a goal of eliminating pollution from fossil fuels in the power sector by 2035, and from the U.S. economy overall by 2050. (Adobe Stock)

ND Group: Biden Moratorium on Oil Leases "Good Step"

BISMARCK, N.D. -- President Joe Biden has placed a freeze on new oil and gas leases on public lands and waters. A North Dakota conservation group …

Congress approved the federal CARES Act last spring to provide relief amid the evolving pandemic. But over time, some of the spending has come into question, including how some states have distributed the money. (Adobe Stock)

ND Watchdogs Raise Concerns About COVID Spending for Fracking

BISMARCK, N.D. -- COVID-19 relief spending by North Dakota officials is drawing scrutiny. A pair of watchdogs question why the state is using CARES …

The Dakota Access oil pipeline, which began operating in 2017, is just downstream from the Standing Rock Sioux Reservation. The project drew heavy protests while it was being constructed. (insideclimatenews.org)

Tribes Hope Dakota Access Pipeline Victory Isn't Short Lived

BISMARCK, N.D. -- Tribal leaders opposed to the Dakota Access oil pipeline say there's still a long way to go in their pursuit of permanently …

Coal Creek Station, North Dakota's largest coal plant, has been operating since 1979 but will cease production by the end of 2022. (Adobe Stock)

North Dakota's Largest Coal-Fired Power Plant to Close

UNDERWOOD, N.D. - The Upper Midwest will see a seismic shift in energy production after a Minnesota-based utility announced it will close a coal …

North Dakota regulators have given the green light for a new pumping station for the Dakota Access oil pipeline. (Tony Webster/Flickr)

ND Regulators OK Dakota Access Pipeline Expansion

BISMARCK, N.D. -- In a unanimous decision, the state Public Service Commission has approved a key step in increasing capacity of the Dakota Access …

A Trump administration proposal would exempt some large infrastructure projects, such as pipelines, from environmental review. (Jason Woodhead/Flickr)

Rolling Back Environmental Review Could Hurt ND Tribes

BISMARCK, S.D. -- A Trump administration proposal to roll back an environmental-review law for large projects could harm North Dakota tribal …

State regulators say 16% of oil produced in North Dakota in October was shipped out by rail. (Roy Luck/Flickr)

Spring Spill Raises Concern About ND Rail Terminal's Future

DICKINSON, N.D. -- Even minor changes to oil movement by rail are under scrutiny in North Dakota because of its potential public safety hazard…

The battle over oil pipelines continues three years after the Standing Rock protests. (PhotoImage/Adobe Stock)

Native Americans Fighting Back Against Oil Companies – Again

BISMARCK, N.D. – It's been three years since Native American communities attempted to block an oil pipeline in the Standing Rock protests…

Meridian Energy has proposed an oil refinery within three miles of Theodore Roosevelt National Park. (Amy Meredith/Flickr)

ND Supreme Court to Decide Fate of Refinery Near National Park

BISMARCK, N.D. – The struggle over an oil refinery near Theodore Roosevelt National Park is in the hands of the North Dakota Supreme Court…

ND Group's Meeting Features Film on Town During Oil Boom

NEW TOWN, N.D. – The Dakota Resource Council's annual meeting this year features a documentary on the people of a North Dakota town when the …

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PNS Daily Newscast: Afternoon Update - September 18, 2024

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ND: Environment