Air Force Secretary Visits Minot Air Force Base

Just before Christmas, I joined Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall on his visit to Minot Air Force Base. We toured the 54th Helicopter Squadron, missile alert facility, and 91st Missile Wing “Rough Riders.” We also met with the Airmen of Minot Air Force Base and thanked them for their dedication and service, particularly during this holiday season. It's true, only the best come north.

As the home to two of the three legs of the nuclear triad, Minot is a critical piece to our nation’s nuclear deterrent policy. Visits like these are a great chance to advocate for the base, meet the hardworking Airmen, and emphasize the need to be moving at the speed of China to advance nuclear modernization and support intelligence capabilities.

Sale of Coal Creek Station to Rainbow Energy Clears Final Regulatory Hurdle

Last Thursday, the sale of Coal Creek Station to Rainbow Energy cleared its final regulatory hurdle when the Minnesota Public Utility Commission approved the transfer of the transmission line permit.

This unanimous permit approval brings the project one step closer to ensuring Coal Creek Station continues to provide reliable energy and preserve good-paying local jobs.

Through Coal Creek Station’s use of carbon capture utilization and storage technologies, North Dakota will stay at the forefront of energy production and innovation.

America First Climate and Trade Policy Outlined in Op-Ed with H.R. McMaster

In a joint op-ed with President Trump’s former National Security Advisor Lt. General H.R. McMaster, U.S. Army, ret., we outline how the United States has an opportunity to counter Putin’s playbook with a bold initiative: a transatlantic climate and trade initiative that would cut global greenhouse gas emissions, increase energy security, and reduce Russia’s power to coerce Europe.

This America First approach to trade and energy production aligns climate and national security policy. We can be the global leader on emission reductions by producing and exporting American energy, which enhances the United States’ economy, national security, and geopolitical interests.

Not all fossil fuel production is alike: Lifecycle greenhouse emissions from Russian natural gas piped to Europe, for example, are over 40% higher per unit of energy than U.S. shipments of liquefied natural gas.

According to a report by the Climate Leadership Council, Russian energy production is on average two times more carbon intensive than U.S. production. In contrast to Russia’s poor record addressing methane, U.S. producers in North Dakota have achieved greater than 90% natural gas capture rates.

Combined with Western innovation in renewable energy, advanced nuclear power, and hydrogen, this initiative could also be a model inspiring dramatic reductions in emissions and new ways to counter bad actors all around the world.

Passing of Rep. George Keiser

Longtime Bismarck State Representative George Keiser passed away on Wednesday, December 22.

Kris and I were sad to learn of his death. George lived a life of service in business, government, and family. His business knowledge and experience served him and North Dakota well as he applied his know-how to help make our state a welcoming place for free enterprise to thrive. He improved life for many North Dakotans through his thoughtful approach to legislating.

Kris and I are especially grateful that George introduced us while working on a campaign in 1986. I literally owe George for 35 years of happiness. We are praying for Kathy and their family as they mourn their loss and celebrate the life of George.

Amicus Brief Opposes Biden’s Vaccine Mandate

I joined Senator Mike Braun (R-IN) in filing an amicus brief to the Supreme Court of the United States in the upcoming case considering the Biden Administration’s top-down Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Emergency Temporary Standard (ETS) requiring private employers with over 100 employees to mandate the COVID-19 vaccine or weekly testing.

The brief argues that Congress did not give OSHA the authority to impose a vaccine mandate and urges the Supreme Court to stay the mandate. Neither Congress nor the Constitution gave the executive branch this expansive authority and it should be kept in check.

Democrats’ Socialist Agenda and America First Energy Policy Discussed on Sunday Morning Futures

I joined Larry Kudlow on Sunday Morning Futures on December 26 to discuss the Democrats’ disastrous socialist agenda, potential 2024 GOP presidential nominees, and climate trade policy.

Energy Policy Discussed with Kudlow on Fox Business

On December 21, I joined Larry Kudlow on Fox Business to discuss energy policy.

Democrats think by choking supply, they’ll somehow diminish demand. We know that’s not the case. Demand for U.S. energy is rising all over the world, yet they’re making us more dependent on foreign sources of energy, importing more and more oil and natural gas from Russia.

One of the things they want to do is extend production tax credits for solar energy for 10 years. What they fail to mention is 75% of the value chain for solar energy comes from China. This helps our adversaries, but hurts America.

Grants for North Dakota

U.S. Department of Agriculture Awards $46.5 Million for Rural Infrastructure in North Dakota

The U.S. Department of Agriculture awarded the following three loans totaling $46,535,000:

• $23,000,000 to Northern Plains Electric Cooperative
• $22,300,000 to Dakota Valley Electric Cooperative Inc.
• $1,235,000 to the City of Drayton

The Department of Health and Human Services Awards $1.2 Million to Support Individuals with Disabilities in North Dakota

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services awarded $1,224,799 to the North Dakota Department of Human Services.

The funds will be used for the Money Follows the Person grant program, which supports community inclusion of individuals with disabilities.