Tim Mathern
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?
“All practices must be safe in mining , delivery, and use. Public Service Commission needs to include these factors in granting approvals.”
KEYWORDS: Fossil fuels are important resources but must be used in a way that does not be hazardous to humans or the earth. Agricultural practices must be free from chemicals that cause health problems or damage to the earth.
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?
“North Dakota needs to robustly monitor CO2 delivery and storage activities. In addition develope alternate methods of positive uses of CO2 that have positive environmental outcomes.”
KEYWORDS: State government needs to establish stringent requirements and have industry pay for these methods of measurement, control, and enforcement.
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?
“Communities should have full knowledge of large projects. Their role should include zoning.”
KEYWORDS: Communities need to be involved in education and housing plans and decisions to prepare for the needs of workers and their families.
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?
“Carbon capture by plants needed to be understood and practices developed to support the farmers and environment. Science is useful in developing best practices.”
KEYWORDS: Universities need to conduct applied research to assure sound and practical methods are arrived it for the benefit of all
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?
“All public expenditures should have a return on investment aspect. Scientific evidence needs to be a paramount feature in decisionmaking.”
KEYWORDS: Evidence based practices are crucial.
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?
“All tribes need to involved in policy development and implementation.”
KEYWORDS: Indigenous people have beliefs and practices that have significance that should be incorporated into land practices and environmental science