John Kelly
DemocraticQ4 North Dakota is a top state in the nation for both reserves and production of crude oil, natural gas, and coal (https://www.eia.gov/states/ND/analysis) and over 38 million acres are used for crop and livestock production (US Census of Agriculture, https://www.nass.usda.gov/Publications/AgCensus/2022/Full_Report/Volume_1,_Chapter_1_State_Level/North_Dakota/). What policies, if any, do you support or envision in managing land-based resources in North Dakota (and nationally) and how do these policies relate to conservation and economic development in natural resource sectors?
“These policies need to responsibly and respectfully of the land. Any economic development needs to take into account the effect on the land.”
KEYWORDS: Responsible and respectful.
Q6 North Dakota is developing large-scale carbon capture and geologic CO₂ storage projects, which require monitoring of underground CO₂ movement and potential impacts on groundwater and seismic activity. What role, if any, should state/federal governments play in funding research and collecting data on the effectiveness, environmental impacts, and long-term reliability of geologic CO₂ storage?
“The state government should monitor these projects making sure they are effect ways of collecting, storing CO2 and the impact on the environment is at a minimum.”
KEYWORDS: Effective and responsible.
Q7 What role should local communities play in approving large infrastructure or technology projects? What policies would you support related to this role and the economic impact of large projects on local communities?
“Local communities should have a say in what is happening in their communities and should know what these projects are and how it will affect the community. I would support a policy where Non-Discloser Agreement (NDA) are not used. Again, I would want to community involvement in any decision made.”
KEYWORDS: Discussion, and debate on policy Fair hiring.
Q8 North Dakota farmers face challenges including shifting weather patterns, localized droughts, fluctuating input costs, and global market pressures. What policies or investments would you support to help farmers remain productive and economically competitive, and what role could scientific research and innovation play in those efforts?
“Policies that provide help to family farms and not big out of state corporation. Policies that will help young and beginning farmers start their operation. Scientific research and innovation has to be part of these policies.”
KEYWORDS: Family Farms, help when needed.
Q9 Scientific and technical expertise can inform decisions related to healthcare, energy, infrastructure, manufacturing, and emerging technologies. What role, if any, should scientific evidence and expert input play in your policymaking process, and how would you communicate scientific uncertainty or evolving evidence to the public?
“Scientific evidence and expert input should be part of any policymaking process. I would do my best to explain to the public what is involved in these policies, how they will impact them and listen to their concerns.”
KEYWORDS: Listen, communicate, and inform
Q10 Tribal nations play an important role in North Dakota’s environmental stewardship, but many face challenges in accessing resources and infrastructure for environmental science, land management, and water monitoring. What policies, if any, would you support to strengthen tribal capacity in these areas, and why?
“Once again, I will always be open to listening to any group and their concerns and help them find solutions to their problems. I will support all of people of my district even the one who did not vote for me.”
KEYWORDS: Help, Listen and support.