Kevin Horneman
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?
“I support CRP and PLOTS along with Federal programs and Private Organizations like Ducks Unlimited and Pheasant Forever for not only watershed and wildlife but also public access and income for rural communities by way of hunting, fishing, and recreation. I believe reclamation of temporary abandoned oil and gas wells along with associated roads, brine ponds, and pipelines is a critical need requiring urgent attention. Coal land reclamation should be used as an example for legislation of oil and gas production including CO2.”
KEYWORDS: Pollution - Environment - Sustainability
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?
“Utilize the ND DMR existing expertise and data while working with companies interested in these projects. Use CO2 derived taxes to fund ongoing research and safety monitoring including funding emergency response and cleanup.”
KEYWORDS: Income Source - CO2
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?
“Housing should be available for both construction and permanent employees including the necessary improvements ( water, sewer, electricity, roads, etc. ) And consideration given to the need for expanding police, schools, fire department, etc. without placing undue burden on existing residents with higher taxes and special assessments. “
KEYWORDS: Housing - Taxes
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?
“I would try to attract facilities for a Diesel refinery and a Natural Gas to fertilizer plant making use of the resources we have here in our state to provide lower cost inputs perhaps using a CO-OP model or have a state interest similar to the BND or State Mill. Existing facilities that we now have export their products to Europe and other states providing a market for farmers to sell but not purchase. Innovation could include expanding coal gasification, hydrogen fuels, and methane for the purposes of transportation, drying, and value added production.”
KEYWORDS: Fertilizer - Fuel - Value Added Agriculture
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?
“By utilizing our State Universities we can provide the trust our citizens deserve. Projects should be based on their benefits to the community and state not just their profitability to investors. All projects should be based upon science.”
KEYWORDS: Trust - Science - NDSU - UND - Engineering
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?
“Increased cooperation and collaboration between Tribal Colleges and state colleges. I believe that this should include open transparency in all phases of discussion and implementation.”
KEYWORDS: Education - Transparency