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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)

Tuesday, May 7, 2024

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 …

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 2012, North Dakota voters rejected a proposed ballot question to abolish property taxes. They may be asked a similar question next year if a proposed measure is approved for the 2024 ballot. (Adobe Stock)

ND property tax plan spurs debate about hurting local schools, governments

There are warnings of cuts to municipal governments and schools, and some loss of local control for budget decisions, amid efforts to eliminate …

Those involved with AARP's Community Challenge grant program say smaller efforts, such as installing park benches in an undeserved area, can go a long way in helping to make a place livable for everyone. (Adobe Stock)

ND Reaches New Heights in Community Livability Projects

Towns and cities across America are rolling out recruiting efforts to keep their populations stable. A grant program for community-led projects puts …

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 …

A new interactive tool estimates nearly nearly 150,000 North Dakotans have several risk factors that could make it more difficult for them to recover from a natural disaster. (Adobe Stock)

ND Planners Have New Disaster-Recovery Tool

Blizzards, droughts and tornados are disasters many North Dakotans have experienced. With the spring storm season underway, local governments are …

From transportation to housing, Bismarck is resetting its vision for the city's livability factors, hearing from older residents. (Adobe Stock)

Is Your City Age-Friendly? Bismarck Tackles That Question

BISMARCK, N.D. -- Bismarck is laying out its vision for future planning. As ideas come together, it has become the first North Dakota city to adopt a …

A new report says 43% of low-income residents in North Dakota cite

ND Report: Rental Assistance Biggest Need for Low-Income Residents

FARGO, N.D. -- People losing their house or becoming evicted remains a big concern during the pandemic. But even before the crisis, the cost of …

Soybeans are among the top products for North Dakota farmers when it comes to global reach, with more than 90% leaving the state, and about two-thirds of annual soybean production shipped out of the country. (Adobe Stock)

Rail Access Gives ND Farmers Better Chance to Compete Globally

MINOT, N.D. -- North Dakota farmers this week are getting something they'd been wanting for years: an intermodal rail service. This transportation …

North Dakota is the number two crude oil producer in the nation, which new analysis says contributed to the loss of 2.4 million acres of natural landscapes in the state from 2011 to 2017. (porchlife/Flickr)

ND Ranks First Among Lower 48 States for Loss of Natural Landscapes

BISMARCK, N.D. – The U.S. is losing its wild landscape to energy, transportation, agriculture and urbanization at a rate of two football …

There were about 1.2 fatal car crashes per 100,000 people in North Dakota between 2013 and 2017. (Christopher Boswell/Adobe Stock)

ND Among Most Dangerous Driving States Over Memorial Day Weekend

BISMARCK, N.D. – North Dakotans driving over Memorial Day weekend need to be especially careful, according to a new analysis. It isn't what was …

In 2016 and 2017, small refinery waivers wiped out about 2.2 billion gallons of biofuels obligations under the Renewable Fuel Standard. (Matt Dente/Flickr)

Farmers: Refinery Waiver from Renewable Fuel Standard Hurting Demand

BISMARCK, N.D. – Many farmers in North Dakota and nationwide say the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is undercutting the Renewable Fuel …

Drivers are cautioned to be patient this Memorial Day weekend, the most dangerous time of the year to be on the road. (sockixxx/Twenty20)

Safety Tips for the Road on Busy Memorial Day Weekend

FARGO, N.D. - North Dakotans will join folks from across the country gearing up for vacations this Memorial Day weekend. Nearly 42 million Americans …

Bismarck developed a pop-up bike pathway last year with a grant from AARP's Community Challenge. (Angie Gray Photography)

Challenge Seeks to Fund Projects That Make Communities More Livable

BISMARCK, N.D. – AARP is looking for ideas that can improve living in people's local communities. The second annual Community Challenge …

A new report says we need to plant more trees for the sake of our health. (Jerry Oster)

More Trees Could Lead to a Healthier Planet

FARGO N.D. -- A new report looking at the impact that trees have on our health finds that we need to start planting more of them. The Planting …

The EPA says airlines aren't doing enough to control the greenhouse gas pollution emitted by their jet engines. (iStockphoto)

Airplane Emissions Ruled a Threat by EPA

BISMARCK, N.D. -- Greenhouse gas emissions from aircraft engines endanger public health and welfare, according to new findings from the federal …

A government watchdog is suggesting ways to improve high-speed Internet access for tribal and rural areas. (iStockphoto)

Watchdog: Action Needed to Expand High-Speed Internet on ND Tribal Lands

BISMARCK, N.D. - The lack of access to high-speed Internet remains a big problem on tribal lands in North Dakota and across the country. A new report …

The new federal Transportation Department safety rules for oil shipments by rail are being challenged by a dozen cities, water-quality and conservation groups. Credit: Lindsey G/Flickr.

Transporting Oil: Legal Challenge Over Train Safety Rules

BISMARCK, N.D. – The U.S. Department of Transportation faces a legal challenge that claims new rules proposed for oil trains to protect those …

PHOTO: North Dakota has one of the country's highest percentages of bridges in need of major repair or upgrading, according to a new report that breaks down the numbers nationwide. Photo credit: Ross Griff/Flickr.

ND Bridges Breaking Down: 7th Highest Percentage Needing Repair

BISMARCK, N.D. - North Dakota has the seventh-highest percentage in the nation of bridges that are in need of major repairs or upgrades, according to …

PHOTO: The 64th Legislative Assembly begins Tuesday in Bismarck, and oil and gas issues within the energy industry will be among those high on the docket. Photo credit: Lindsey G/Flickr.

Energy Industry Needs on the Agenda as 2015 Session Begins

BISMARCK, N.D. - The gavel comes down to open the 2015 North Dakota Legislature Tuesday, and among the issues lawmakers will be asked to address this …

PHOTO: The turkey is done, but the traveling is not, as folks across North Dakota and the country are boarding planes this weekend to get back and forth to gatherings with friends and family. Photo credit: lkarasawa/Flickr.

North Dakota Flyers Have Recourse for Bumped Flights, Lost Luggage

BISMARCK, N.D. – This weekend is one of the busiest of the year at airports across the country, and while the thought of delays or lost bags …

PHOTO: It's a win-win for drivers in North Dakota. Gas has dropped to around $3 a gallon in some spots, while new vehicles in the United States are getting better mileage than ever before. Photo credit: Adam B/Flickr.

ND Drivers See Gas Prices Fall, Fuel Efficiency Rise

BISMARCK, N.D. - Gas prices in parts of North Dakota are now hovering around $3 a gallon, but that isn't the only way drivers are saving money at the …

PHOTO: Drivers in North Dakota will want to use extra caution around schools today, as students statewide are being encouraged to walk or bike to class. Photo credit: Jim Larrison/Flickr.

North Dakota Students Get Stepping on Walk to School Day

VALLEY CITY, N.D. - This is Walk to School Day, as students across North Dakota and the nation are encouraged to "get active" as they get to class…

ND's Liaison Between Roads of Future, Paths to Past

BISMARCK, N.D. - The North Dakota Department of Transportation tries to make sure that its projects for the future don't disturb the history of the …

Slow but Sure Decline in North Dakota Farmland

FARGO, N. D. - It's happening slowly, but every year, more North Dakota farmland is being lost to development. The annual amount of farmland being …

Pedal-Power Needs to Picks Up Steam in ND

BISMARCK, N.D. - Cycling advocates in North Dakota and across the nation say pedal power is a great way to save resources and get healthier. But …

Why is Old Man Winter so Mean?

BISMARCK, N. D. - Almost every corner of the state has been battered by Old Man Winter this season. Why so severe? According to a new report from …

Cornbelt Common Ground: Biofuels

BISMARCK, N.D. - New research indicates that there is at least one area critical to the energy, agriculture and environmental future in North Dakota …

Labor Day Travel Alert

WASHINGTON - Something to think about when you see a big rig coming up in the rear view mirror: A new analysis of federal data shows more than 28,000 …

Driven to Drive Less in ND

Madison, WI - If people drive fewer miles, will policies from zoning to energy change to reflect a shift away from the culture of the car? The latest …

Brutal North Dakota Winter Especially Tough on People with Disabilities

Bismarck, ND – So far, North Dakota's winter has been beyond brutal, with record cold wind chills and snow piling up everywhere. Jim Moench…

Group: North Dakota’s Surplus a Once in a Lifetime Opportunity

Bismarck, ND – When the North Dakota Legislature begins its 61st session next week, it will decide on a two-year budget. Don Morrison, …

North Dakota is No “Economic Island”

Bismarck, ND – North Dakota’s families have not been in the spotlight as victims in the nation's economic crisis, but some think it may …

Renewables, Natural Gas: Top Picks in "Pickens Plan" Push at DNC

Denver, CO - T. Boone Pickens is an oilman with a big plan. He's in Denver this week, making the rounds at the Democratic National Convention to …

Study Debunks US Global Warming Excuses

Fargo, ND - There's no excuse for American inaction on global warming, according to a new study. So far, the United States has largely refused to …

Oil Shockwave Set to Hit North Dakotans

Fargo, ND – The price of oil seems to set new records every day -- as of Thursday, it's over $96 a barrel -- and oil companies' profits are …

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ND: Urban Planning and Transportation