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S&P Affirms Bank of North Dakota Credit Rating

BISMARCK, N.D. – The Industrial Commission reports that Standard & Poor’s (S&P) affirmed Bank of North Dakota’s (BND) credit rating as A+/Stable in its annual review released Nov. 6.

BISMARCK, N.D. – Todd Steinwand, President and Chief Executive Officer of Bank of North Dakota (BND), has announced his intention to retire in the second quarter of 2024. An exact date has not been established but he pledged to continue to work with the Industrial Commission (Commission) during the transition. An executive search committee was approved at today’s Industrial Commission meeting.

The North Dakota Industrial Commission, consisting of Gov. Doug Burgum, Attorney General Drew Wrigley and Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring, approved $15 million in matching grants and $222.5 million in loans during the latest grant rounds for the Oil and Gas Research and Clean Sustainable Energy programs. Both programs are funded by oil and gas production tax and state mineral royalty revenues. The Oil and Gas Research Program was established in 2007 to provide grants for projects that enhance the production of oil and natural gas in North Dakota. The Clean Sustainable Energy Program was established in 2021 to advance the commercialization of low-emissions technologies for North Dakota’s energy industry.

BISMARCK, N.D. – The North Dakota Industrial Commission (NDIC) has selected Claire Vigesaa to serve as the next executive director of the North Dakota Transmission Authority. Vigesaa retired in 2022 as general manager and CEO for the Upper Missouri Power Cooperative after a 40-year career in the electric cooperative industry. Vigesaa has been serving as deputy director of the Transmission Authority since retirement.

The North Dakota Industrial Commission, consisting of Gov. Doug Burgum, Attorney General Drew Wrigley and Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring, approved $6.3 million in Outdoor Heritage Fund and Renewable Energy Program matching grants. Both programs are funded solely by oil and gas production tax revenue. The Outdoor Heritage Fund was established in 2013 to provide grants for projects that enhance outdoor conservation practices in the state. The Renewable Energy Program was established in 2007 to promote research and utilization of North Dakota’s renewable energy resources, including advanced biofuels.

BISMARCK, N.D. – The North Dakota Industrial Commission has approved changes that will allow North Dakota Housing Finance Agency (NDHFA) to provide mortgage loan financing to individuals and families with a higher yearly income in most counties. They have also increased the acquisition (purchase price) limit for financed properties.

North Dakota’s regulatory framework for geologic sequestration of carbon dioxide continues to lead the nation as the North Dakota Industrial Commission today approved its fourth carbon capture and storage facility. North Dakota was the first state to receive primacy of Class VI wells from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in 2018.

The North Dakota Industrial Commission approved $11.4 million in Lignite Research, Development and Marketing Program matching grants for seven new research projects. The funding, generated from lignite severance tax as well as oil and gas production tax revenue, supports the growth of North Dakota’s lignite industry through research and education.

On May 23, 2023, North Dakota joined three other states and two tribal nations in receiving the first Grid Resilience State and Tribal Formula Grants from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). North Dakota was awarded $7.5 million, which will be administered by the North Dakota Industrial Commission through its Transmission Authority. The Grid Resilience State and Tribal Formula Grant program aims to ensure the reliability of power sector infrastructure so that communities have access to affordable, reliable, clean electricity.

BISMARCK, N.D. – The state-owned Bank of North Dakota (BND) reported total record assets of $10.2 billion at year-end
2022. The growth enabled the Bank to increase its loan portfolio to a record $5.4 billion in loans to the state’s farmers and
ranchers, business owners and students in North Dakota. In addition, the Bank reported a record profit of $191.2 million in
2022, up $47 million from 2021.

Industrial Commission Announces Summer 2023 Grant Round Schedule for Clean Sustainable Energy Authority, Outdoor Heritage Fund, Renewable Energy Program, and Oil and Gas Research Council. 

This order issued on the basis that the Governor is vested with the Executive authority pursuant to Article V, Section 1 or the North Dakota Constitution, and pursuant to NDCC 54-17.5-02. This order shall be effective Immediately and supersedes and replaces Executive Order 2013-05; accordingly, Executive Order 2013-05 is hereby rescinded. 

BISMARCK, ND – The North Dakota Industrial Commission has approved North Dakota Housing Finance Agency’s (NDHFA) planned distribution of $200,000 through its Helping Housing Across North Dakota (Helping HAND) program.

The next meeting of the Lignite Research Council has been scheduled for 1:30 pm on May 11, 2023. The meeting will be held in Room 335, Bismarck State College National Energy Center of Excellence, 1200 Schafer Street, Bismarck, ND. The Council will consider grant applications for its 102nd grant round. The deadline for submitting applications for consideration at the May 11th meeting is April 3, 2023. Applications may be submitted via email at ndicgrants@nd.gov.
 

The North Dakota Industrial Commission approved $2.8 million in Oil and Gas Research and Renewable Energy Program matching grants for six new research projects. The funding, generated from oil and gas production tax revenue, supports the growth of North Dakota’s oil and gas industry through research and education. The Renewable Energy Program supports the research and development of industrial technologies such as renewable energy, biofuels, biomass, biomaterials, geothermal and renewable hydrogen.

The North Dakota Industrial Commission approved funding last week for a new lignite research project, titled "Lignite Resource Evaluation for Advanced Utilization Opportunities," that focuses on evaluating the potential for extracting rare earth elements and other critical minerals from North Dakota lignite.

The North Dakota Industrial Commission announced five affordable housing projects received conditional funding commitments from North Dakota Housing Finance Agency (NDHFA) in November.

Standard & Poor’s (S&P) affirmed Bank of North Dakota’s (BND) credit rating as A+/Stable in its annual review released Oct. 27, 2022.

The North Dakota Industrial Commission joined employees of the North Dakota Mill, local officials, customers and suppliers today to celebrate the completion of 100 years in operation at the Grand Forks facility, as well as the recent commissioning of the new H and I milling units and the conversion of the D milling unit, resulting in a 22% increase in total milling capacity.

The North Dakota Industrial Commission today approved nearly $3 million in Outdoor Heritage Fund matching grants for eight conservation and recreation projects benefiting North Dakotans across the state. The funding, generated from oil and gas production tax revenue, supports projects such as access to public and private lands for sportsmen, farming and ranching stewardship practices, fish and wildlife habitat preservation and outdoor recreation areas.

The North Dakota Industrial Commission awarded Clean Sustainable Energy Authority (CSEA) grant funding today in the amount of $15,284,125 for three projects.

The report on the status of the resilience of the electric grid in North Dakota was presented Friday to the North Dakota Industrial Commission and delivered to the North Dakota Legislative Council. The 2021 Legislative Assembly directed that the Transmission Authority prepare this report annually.

The North Dakota Industrial Commission is reminding applicants that the deadline to submit applications for the North Dakota Outdoor Heritage Fund Program is September 1, 2022.

The North Dakota Industrial Commission (Commission), consisting of Gov. Doug Burgum, Attorney General Drew Wrigley and Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring, issued the following joint statement today in response to the North Dakota Supreme Court’s decision in Northwest Landowners Association vs. State of North Dakota:

The North Dakota Industrial Commission (Commission), consisting of Gov. Doug Burgum, Attorney General Drew Wrigley and Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring, issued the following joint statement today commemorating the first underground injection of carbon dioxide by Red Trail Energy.

The North Dakota Industrial Commission has approved increased eligibility limits for a state program that helps first-time buyers purchase a home. Administered by North Dakota Housing Finance Agency (NDHFA), the FirstHome™ program provides low-cost financing and down payment and closing cost assistance to income-qualified households.

The North Dakota Industrial Commission awarded funding today from the Clean Sustainable Energy Fund in the amount of $1 million in grants and $115 million in loans for three projects.

The state-owned Bank of North Dakota (BND) reported a profit of $144.2 million in 2021, a slight increase from $141.2 million in 2020 with a return on investment of 15%, according to information presented to the Industrial Commission (Commission) in BND’s annual report today.

The North Dakota Industrial Commission (NDIC) awarded $850,000 of grant funding to Semplastics for a new lignite research project on May 23, 2022. The total cost of the project is $4.2 million with the majority of the match funding coming from the U.S. Department of Energy. Other entities involved in the project are North American Coal Corp. and the Energy & Environmental Research Center.

The North Dakota Industrial Commission has approved North Dakota Housing Finance Agency’s (NDHFA) planned distribution of $200,000 through its Helping Housing Across North Dakota (Helping HAND) program.

North Dakota Pipeline Authority (NDPA) Director Justin Kringstad recently presented an updated view on well performance and drilling economics in the Bakken and Three Forks formations to the Industrial Commission.

The North Dakota Industrial Commission has approved North Dakota Housing Finance Agency’s (NDHFA) planned distribution of $200,000 through its Helping Housing Across North Dakota (Helping HAND) program.

The North Dakota Industrial Commission is currently accepting applications through March 1, 2022, for the North Dakota Outdoor Heritage Fund Program.

The North Dakota Industrial Commission (Commission) today approved $1 million in grant funding for a small-scale lignite research and development (R&D) project and continuation of an ongoing carbon capture, utilization and storage (CCUS) project. The two projects had been evaluated and recommended by the Lignite Research Council earlier in the week.

The Industrial Commission today approved the Class VI storage facility applications for North Dakota-based Minnkota Power Cooperative’s Project Tundra. The project is a $1 billion investment in carbon capture from the Milton R. Young Station in Oliver County, North Dakota.

BISMARCK, N.D. – The North Dakota Industrial Commission awarded funding today from the Clean Sustainable Energy Fund in the amount of $28 million in grants and $135 million in loans for six projects.

The North Dakota Industrial Commission approved the guidelines and timelines on Nov. 29 for a Natural Gas Pipeline Grant Program that received funding during the recent special legislative session.

The North Dakota Industrial Commission (Commission) today approved funding for three lignite research projects totaling $632,500. The largest award is $550,000 to develop lignite coal-based pitch for high-value carbon products.

The North Dakota Industrial Commission (Commission) announced today that North Dakota Housing Finance Agency (NDHFA) made funding commitments to eight affordable multifamily housing projects in November.

The North Dakota Industrial Commission announced that the Clean Sustainable Energy Authority (CSEA) will consider eight applications for the first round of funding, totaling over $49.5 million in grant requests and $165 million in loan requests.

The North Dakota Industrial Commission today approved $1,666,000 in Outdoor Heritage Fund matching grants for four conservation and recreation projects benefiting North Dakotans across the state. The funding, generated from oil and gas production tax revenue, supports projects such as access to public and private lands for sportsmen, farming and ranching stewardship practices, fish and wildlife habitat preservation and outdoor recreation areas.

North Dakota’s regulatory framework for geologic sequestration of carbon dioxide (CO2) is leading the nation again today as the North Dakota Industrial Commission approved the first Class VI well in North Dakota. North Dakota was the first state to receive primacy of Class VI wells from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in 2018, followed only by Wyoming in 2020.

The North Dakota Industrial Commission approved program guidelines today and is currently accepting financial assistance applications through Nov. 1, 2021, for the Clean Sustainable Energy Authority.

Al Anderson was named by the North Dakota Industrial Commission to serve as the director of the North Dakota Clean Sustainable Energy Authority (Authority) effective today Sept. 27, 2021.

The North Dakota Industrial Commission is currently accepting public comment through Sept. 14, 2021, regarding the Clean Sustainable Energy Authority (Authority) draft guidelines.

The North Dakota Industrial Commission is currently accepting applications through September 1, 2021, for the North Dakota Outdoor Heritage Fund Program.

The Industrial Commission named Interim Bank of North Dakota (BND) President Todd Steinwand as President of the Bank at its meeting on July 27, 2021. Prior to acting as interim President, Steinwand served as BND’s Chief Business Development Officer. Steinwand, succeeds Eric Hardmeyer, who held the position for 21 years, the longest-serving president in the Bank’s 102-year history.

The North Dakota Industrial Commission today approved two new Bank of North Dakota (BND) loan programs to help the state’s livestock producers cover expenses related to the extreme drought conditions in the state. Producers must work with their local lender to determine if the programs are appropriate for their situation and make application through them.

The North Dakota Industrial Commission today approved $5.8 million in Outdoor Heritage Fund matching grants for 16 conservation and recreation projects benefiting North Dakotans across the state. The funding, generated from oil and gas production tax revenue, supports projects such as access to public and private lands for sportsmen, farming and ranching stewardship practices, fish and wildlife habitat preservation and outdoor recreation areas.

The North Dakota Industrial Commission has approved changes to North Dakota Housing Finance Agency’s (NDHFA) North Dakota Roots program that will allow the NDHFA to finance mortgage loans for higher-income individuals and families and to refinance residential real estate loans.

The North Dakota Industrial Commission (Commission) has awarded $520,890 in Renewable Energy Program matching funds for two projects that enhance renewable energy while providing options for underground storage of carbon dioxide.

The North Dakota Industrial Commission (Commission) approved funding today totaling $10 million for two legislatively directed research projects contingent on Oil and Gas Research Council approval.

The North Dakota Industrial Commission (Commission) approved funding totaling $970,004 for three lignite research projects. In a joint statement, the Commission consisting of Governor Doug Burgum, Attorney General Wayne Stenehjem and Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring, stated, “The lignite industry is always looking forward and developing new markets and new technologies to improve existing operations. The projects that we funded today will continue the success of this industry that is so important to the state and its citizens.”

The state-owned Bank of North Dakota (BND) reported a profit of $141.2 million in 2020, down from $169 million in 2019 with a return on investment of 15%, according to information presented to the Industrial Commission (Commission) in BND’s annual report today.
The report’s theme, “Responding with Confidence,” focuses on the important role the Bank played by assisting residents in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. BND created three business loan programs, one business grant program and a student loan relief program, while also administering an agriculture disaster relief program. It also assisted local lenders in accessing Federal Paycheck Protection Program funds by hosting weekly webinars connecting lenders with the Small Business Administration and members of Congress. These efforts, along with the work of the Department of Commerce and their partners, enabled North Dakota to receive more funds per capita than any other state.

The North Dakota Industrial Commission has established a special grant round and is currently accepting applications through May 10th for the North Dakota Renewable Energy Program. The program funds projects that involve research and development of renewable energy technologies that have strong growth potential in North Dakota.

Bank of North Dakota (BND) President Eric Hardmeyer announced his retirement effective July 6, 2021, at the Industrial Commission meeting today. Hardmeyer has been in the role since 2000, qualifying him as the longest-serving president in the Bank’s 102-year history.

The North Dakota Industrial Commission (Commission) has awarded $719,129 in Renewable Energy Program matching funds for two projects that enhance renewable energy.

The North Dakota Industrial Commission has approved North Dakota Housing Finance Agency’s (NDHFA) planned distribution of almost $200,000 in housing rehab assistance.

The North Dakota Industrial Commission is currently accepting applications through May 3, 2021, for the North Dakota Outdoor Heritage Fund Program.

Bank of North Dakota (BND) and North Dakota Housing Finance Agency (NDHFA) are taking the first steps toward consolidating the roles they play as state agencies in financing residential real estate.

The North Dakota Industrial Commission (Commission) has awarded $1,000,000 in Renewable Energy Program matching funds for two projects that enhance renewable energy.

The North Dakota Industrial Commission (Commission) approved funding for three new small-scale lignite research and development (R&D) projects on Nov. 23. The three projects had been evaluated and recommended by the Lignite Research Council earlier in the month.

Standard & Poor’s (S&P) affirmed Bank of North Dakota’s (BND) credit rating as “A+” and “A- 1” for long-term and short-term credit, respectively, in its annual review released Nov. 9, 2020.

The Industrial Commission of North Dakota approved $11,624,359 in Outdoor Heritage Fund matching grants for eight conservation and recreation projects benefiting North Dakotans across the state. The funding, generated from oil and gas production tax revenue, supports projects such as access to public and private lands for sportsmen, farming and ranching stewardship practices, fish and wildlife habitat preservation, and outdoor recreation areas.

The North Dakota Industrial Commission has established a special grant round and is currently accepting applications through December 14th for the North Dakota Renewable Energy Program. The program funds projects that involve research and development of renewable energy technologies that have strong growth potential in North Dakota.

The North Dakota Industrial Commission (NDIC) appreciates this opportunity to comment on the Proposed Rule Changes as follows:

The State of North Dakota is ranked 2nd in the United States among all states in the production of oil and gas. North Dakota produces more than 525 million barrels of oil and 1 trillion cubic feet of natural gas per year.

The North Dakota Industrial Commission (NDIC) appreciates this opportunity to comment on the scope of the Environmental Impact Study (EIS).

The State of North Dakota is ranked 2nd in the United States among all states in the production of oil and gas. North Dakota produces more than 525 million barrels of oil and 1 trillion cubic feet of natural gas per year.

Bismarck – The Industrial Commission approved a $50 million interest buydown program to be administered by the Bank of North Dakota (BND) for businesses with decreased revenue related to the COVID-19 pandemic. The program, COVID PACE Recovery II, (CPR II), will be funded by CARES Act dollars assigned to the Bank of North Dakota.

BISMARCK – The North Dakota Industrial Commission (NDIC) today approved amendments to the Gas Capture Guidance Policy to provide more transparency into how the gas capture percentage is calculated as well as provide more clarity around requirements within the policy.

Bismarck – Results from a comprehensive study on the natural gas liquid (NGL) composition in North Dakota’s produced gas from the Bakken petroleum system was presented today to the North Dakota Industrial Commission. Scientists at the Energy & Environmental Research Center (EERC) conducted this research over the last eight months. It is based on data from over 7,300 wells in the state and included a review of current publications on the subject and simulation scenarios to predict how NGL content might change in Bakken produced gas over the years to come.

The North Dakota Industrial Commission (Commission) approved funding for two lignite research projects on August 20. Both projects had been evaluated and recommended by the Lignite Research Council earlier in the month.

BISMARCK – The Industrial Commission approved a Bank of North Dakota (BND) request to expand the parameters of the Accelerated Growth Loan Program. The expansion enables technology companies to utilize an increased amount of monthly recurring revenues as a repayment source that allows the loan limit to grow with the company. In addition, BND is increasing its allocation of available funding from $28,000,000 to $47,000,000 in support of the program. The goal is to create an avenue for North Dakota technology companies to access local, lower cost financing.

BISMARCK, N.D. – The North Dakota Industrial Commission is currently accepting applications through September 1, 2020, for the North Dakota Outdoor Heritage Fund Program.

BISMARCK, N.D. – The North Dakota Industrial Commission has established a special grant round and is currently accepting applications through July 17th for the North Dakota Lignite Research, Development, and Marketing Program. This program funds projects that involve research and development of North Dakota’s abundant lignite resources.

BISMARCK, N.D. – The North Dakota Industrial Commission is currently accepting applications through August 1st for the North Dakota Renewable Energy Program. The program funds projects that involve research and development of renewable energy technologies and processes that have strong growth potential in North Dakota.

BISMARCK – The state-owned Bank of North Dakota (BND) recorded its 16th consecutive year of record profits in 2019, with $169 million in net earnings, the Bank reported today in its annual report to the state Industrial Commission (Commission).

BISMARCK, N.D. – The North Dakota Industrial Commission today approved orders from the Department of Mineral Resources to confiscate abandoned wells in North Dakota. A hearing was held on June 10 to review and consider confiscation and plugging of over 350 wells in the state. At the hearing more than 70 additional wells were identified as likely to be orphaned by mid-July.

BISMARCK, N.D. – The North Dakota Industrial Commission (Commission) has awarded $500,000 in Renewable Energy Program matching funds to the Energy & Environmental Research Center, for work toward the development of the first integrated North Dakota ethanol and carbon capture and storage (CCS) facility. The proposed research will use the Red Trail Energy ethanol facility near Richardton, ND, as a case study, building on the successful outcomes of three phases of work since 2016. A CO2 Storage Facility Permitting Guidance Document will be compiled as part of the project to serve as a resource for other North Dakota renewable energy or biofuel producers interested in pursuing utilization of CCS technology.

Bismarck, ND – The Industrial Commission of North Dakota approved $166,174 in Outdoor Heritage Fund matching grants for five conservation and recreation projects benefiting North Dakotans across the state. The funding, generated from oil and gas production tax revenue, supports projects such as access to public and private lands for sportsmen, farming and ranching stewardship practices, fish and wildlife habitat preservation, and outdoor recreation areas.

BISMARCK, ND – The North Dakota Industrial Commission announced today that the North Dakota Housing Finance Agency (NDHFA) has made more than $1.8 million in conditional funding commitments through the state’s Housing Incentive Fund (HIF) to two new affordable housing projects.

Bismarck- The North Dakota Industrial Commission today extended the Ag Disaster Relief Loan Program to accept applications from agricultural producers through September 30, 2020. The original sunset date was June 30, 2020. Since the program was made available in January, 218 loans have been approved for $109 million.

BISMARCK, ND – The North Dakota Industrial Commission has appointed David A. Flohr as the executive director of the North Dakota Housing Finance Agency (NDHFA).

Bismarck- The North Dakota Industrial Commission has authorized the Bank of North Dakota (BND) to provide a financing program to assist North Dakota’s ethanol producers in securing working capital to maintain operations in the state. The ethanol industry in North Dakota supports over 10,000 jobs utilizing 140 million bushels of corn to produce 400 million gallons of ethanol and 1.3 million tons of distiller’s grains.

BISMARCK, ND – The North Dakota Industrial Commission has approved updated eligibility limits for government programs that help North Dakota residents, typically first-time buyers, purchase a home. Administered by North Dakota Housing Finance Agency (NDHFA), the programs provide income-qualified households with low-cost financing, and down payment and closing cost assistance.

BISMARCK, ND – New eligibility limits for programs that assist North Dakota residents, typically first-time buyers, with a home purchase have been approved by the North Dakota Industrial Commission.

BISMARCK, ND – The North Dakota Industrial Commission approved an allocation of almost $200,000 today through Helping Housing Across North Dakota (HAND). The program addresses the housing rehab needs of lower-income individuals and families by providing grants to targeted community programs. North Dakota Housing Finance Agency (NDHFA) administers the program.

Bismarck- The North Dakota Industrial Commission today authorized the Bank of North Dakota (BND) to provide two financing programs to assist North Dakota businesses in obtaining long-term, low-interest loans to assist in the state's economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. The loan programs will help both small and large businesses to secure working capital and replenish inventory. The programs will be effective Wednesday, April 29, 2020.

Bismarck- Bank of North Dakota, in conjunction with local financial institutions, is allowing any borrower who received a Rebuilders Loan after the 2011 flood event to defer payments for six months.

BISMARCK, N.D. -The Department of Mineral Resources was directed today by the North Dakota Industrial Commission to immediately reinstate guidelines that promote the prevention of waste of the state's natural resources of oil and gas during the current economic climate.

BISMARCK, N.D. — Bank of North Dakota (BND) shared its student loan relief plans to assist borrowers impacted by COVID-19 with the Industrial Commission today. Effective immediately, borrowers may request to defer payments for six months.

BISMARCK, N.D. — North Dakota Housing Finance Agency (NDHFA) is encouraging households facing financial difficulties because of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) to notify their mortgage loan servicer or landlord if they are unable to make their mortgage or rent payment.

The North Dakota Industrial Commission (NDIC), consisting of three state-wide elected officials Governor Doug Burgum, Attorney General Wayne Stenehjem and Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring, has jurisdiction to administer North Dakota's comprehensive oil and gas regulations found at North Dakota Administrative Code Chapter 43-02-03. These regulations include regulating the drilling, producing, and plugging of wells; the restoration of drilling and production sites; the perforating and chemical treatment of wells, including hydraulic fracturing; the spacing of wells; operations to increase ultimate recovery such as cycling of gas, the maintenance of pressure, and the introduction of gas, water, or other substances into producing fonnations; disposal of saltwater and oil field wastes through the Underground Injection Control Program; and all other operations for the production of oil or gas.

The North Dakota Industrial Commission (NDIC), Department of Mineral Resources, Oil and Gas Division has jurisdiction to administer North Dakota's comprehensive oiJ and gas regulations found at North Dakota Administrative Code Chapter 43-02-03. These regulations include regulation of the drilling, producing, and plugging of wells; the restoration of drilling and production sites; the perforating and chemical treatment of wells, including hydraulic fracturing; the spacing of wells; operations to increase ultimate recovery such as cycling of gas, the maintenance of pressure, and the introduction of gas, water, or other substances into producing fonnations; disposal of saltwater and oil field wastes through the Underground Injection Control Program and all other operations for the production of oil or gas.

BISMARCK, N.D. – The North Dakota Industrial Commission is currently accepting applications through March 13, 2020, for the North Dakota Outdoor Heritage Fund Program.

BISMARCK, N.D. – The North Dakota Industrial Commission (Commission) has approved $398,850 in Renewable Energy Program funds to MHA Nation – South Segment, for a demonstration project to develop and commercialize affordable, energy efficient homes that can be easily built on Native American reservations. The project includes a renewable energy strategy with the addition of a geothermal ground source heat pump and the engineering of an electrical/mechanical energy corridor which will allow for adding other renewable energy options to the home.

Bismarck- The North Dakota Industrial Commission today approved a second Bank of North Dakota (BND) loan program to help the state’s farmers and livestock producers cover operating shortfalls and term debt payments, and to restructure existing debt.

Bismarck, ND – The Industrial Commission of North Dakota has approved $921,478 in Outdoor Heritage Fund grants for seven conservation and recreation projects benefiting communities across the state. The funding, generated from oil and gas production tax revenue, supports projects such as access to public and private lands for sportsmen, farming and ranching stewardship practices, fish and wildlife habitat preservation, and outdoor recreation areas.

The North Dakota Industrial Commission today approved a new Bank of North Dakota (BND) feed loan program to help the state’s livestock producers cover the cost of feed as they deal with the effects of extreme weather on their operations.

The North Dakota Industrial Commission announced today that nine projects have received funding commitments from North Dakota Housing Finance Agency (NDHFA) to support the construction or rehabilitation of almost 500 affordable housing units statewide.

The State of North Dakota is ranked 2nd in the United States among all states in the production of oil and gas. North Dakota produces more than 525 million barrels of oil and 1 trillion cubic feet of natural gas per year. 

Standard & Poor’s (S&P) affirmed Bank of North Dakota’s (BND) credit rating as “A+” and “A-1” for long-term and short-term credit, respectively, in its annual review released Oct. 25, 2019.

The North Dakota Industrial Commission will hold a public hearing to consider comments on natural gas capture strategy and regulatory clarity needed around gas gathering agreements. The goal of the Commission is to enforce a regulatory framework that provides for fewer service interruptions on gathering pipelines which would encourage quicker and larger infrastructure expansion, and increase the value of North Dakota’s oil and natural gas production. The hearing will be held on Friday, November 15, at 9 a.m., CT, in the Conference Room of the North Dakota Oil and Gas Division, 1000 E Calgary Avenue, Bismarck North Dakota.

The North Dakota Industrial Commission is currently accepting applications through November 1, 2019, for the North Dakota Outdoor Heritage Fund Program.

The North Dakota Industrial Commission has established a special grant round and is currently accepting applications through October 21st for the North Dakota Renewable Energy Program. The program funds projects that involve research and development of renewable energy technologies that have strong growth potential in North Dakota.

The North Dakota Industrial Commission recently established a special grant round for the North Dakota Oil and Gas Research Program and is currently accepting applications through September 16th.

The North Dakota Industrial Commission (Commission) has approved $500,000 in Renewable Energy Program funds to Packet Digital, Fargo, for a project to enhance the design of a portable solar power generation system for military and commercial applications. This project will simplify the manufacturing and assembly of the portable solar power units as well as achieve compliance certifications.

The Industrial Commission of North Dakota today issued a Resolution of Appreciation to Jolene Kline for her 34 years of service to the North Dakota Housing Finance Agency (Agency). Ms. Kline had informed the Commission of her retirement effective July 1, 2019.

The Industrial Commission of North Dakota today approved $5,199,095 in Outdoor Heritage Fund grants for 11 conservation and recreation projects benefiting communities across the state.

The North Dakota Industrial Commission has approved $500,000 in Renewable Energy Program funds to Evolve Analytics, LLC for the development of Airtonomy, an autonomous, multi-drone operations solution that will be installed onsite in a custom drone housing unit. It will be powered by solar energy and operated remotely.

The North Dakota Industrial Commission has approved new eligibility limits for programs that assist state residents, typically first-time buyers, with a home purchase. Administered by North Dakota Housing Finance Agency (NDHFA), the programs provide low-cost financing, and down payment and closing cost assistance.

North Dakota will need significantly more power generation in the next 20 years as electricity consumption is projected to increase by up to 70 percent, driven largely by continued expansion of oil and gas activity in western North Dakota, according to a new Power Forecast 19 (PF19) completed by Barr Engineering.

The North Dakota Industrial Commission approved the allocation of $200,000 today through Helping Housing Across North Dakota (HAND). Helping HAND supports the needs of lower-income households through grants to targeted single-family housing rehabilitation programs. North Dakota Housing Finance Agency (NDHFA) is the program administrator.

The North Dakota Industrial Commission has approved $500,000 in Renewable Energy Program funds to Hankinson Renewable Energy (HRE) for the installation of a Stack Heat Recovery (SHR) system. This technology will capture excess heat energy released from the plant’s dryer exhaust stack and recycle the heat back into the production process. In addition, the system will collect water condensation from the dryer exhaust stack for use in the plant operations. The project is expected to increase ethanol production at HRE by an estimated 10 million gallons per year.

The state-owned Bank of North Dakota (BND) recorded its 15th consecutive year of record profits in 2018, with $159 million in net earnings, the Bank reported today in its annual report to the state Industrial Commission.

The 66th North Dakota Legislative Assembly, with input from the North Dakota Industrial Commission, authorized Bank of North Dakota (BND) to offer two loan programs to help farmers, livestock producers and homeowners who were affected by river flooding due to ice jams in the winter and spring of 2019.

The North Dakota Industrial Commission recently established a special grant round and is currently accepting applications through April 15th for the North Dakota Renewable Energy Program. The program funds projects that involve research and development of renewable energy technologies and processes that have strong growth potential in North Dakota.

The North Dakota Industrial Commission today approved amendments to the crude oil conditioning requirements as outlined in Commission Order No. 29398 in Case No. 29398. The amendments include the addition of a Commission-approved oil conditioning policy/guidance that will continue to ensure the safe transportation and marketability of crude oil.

The Industrial Commission of North Dakota today approved $3,350,164 in Outdoor Heritage Fund grants for nine conservation and recreation projects benefiting communities across the state. The funding, generated from oil and gas production tax revenue, supports projects such as access to public and private lands for sportsmen, farming and ranching stewardship practices, fish and wildlife habitat preservation and outdoor recreation areas.

The North Dakota Industrial Commission today approved amendments to the April 17, 2018 Guidance Policy in relation to North Dakota Industrial Commission Order 24665 regarding gas capture. The amendments include additional action items, which support federal efforts to streamline right-of-way processes and efforts to encourage investment in value-added projects.

The North Dakota Industrial Commission (NDIC) today approved funding totaling over $15 million for two lignite research projects.

Standard & Poor’s (S&P) affirmed Bank of North Dakota’s (BND) credit rating as “A+” and “A-1” for long-term and short-term credit, respectively, in its annual review released Oct. 17, 2018.

The North Dakota Industrial Commission has approved an increase of the income limits for North Dakota Roots, a program that provides affordable financing, and down payment and closing cost assistance to households who may have previously owned a home and first-time buyers whose income exceeds the limits of North Dakota Housing Finance Agency’s (NDHFA) FirstHome™ program.

The North Dakota Industrial Commission has approved $805,000 in Renewable Energy Program grants for two projects.

The North Dakota Department of Mineral Resources and Wenck Associates provided final recommendations today to the North Dakota Industrial Commission on the review of the ordinary high water mark of the Missouri river bed, pursuant to SB2134. The Commission was presented with 30 findings which they adopted as presented.

The Industrial Commission of North Dakota today approved $648,346 in Outdoor Heritage Fund grants for six conservation and recreation projects benefiting communities across the state.

North Dakota Mill management today reported record profits of $14.2 million for fiscal year 2018, an increase of 46 percent over profits of $9.7 million reported for fiscal year 2017.

The North Dakota Industrial Commission authorized the Bank of North Dakota (BND) to extend two loan programs that will assist livestock producers impacted by drought during their June 28, 2018 meeting.

The North Dakota Industrial Commission has approved an $83,810 Renewable Energy Program grant to Midwest AgEnergy Group to research using North Dakota barley to produce a high value protein concentrate designed for aquaculture and a low-carbon advanced ethanol at Dakota Spirit AgEnergy.

The Industrial Commission of North Dakota has established a special grant round for the Outdoor Heritage Fund Program and is currently accepting applications through July 15, 2018. The funding, generated from oil and gas production tax revenue, supports projects such as access to public and private lands for sportsmen, farming and ranching stewardship practices, fish and wildlife habitat preservation, and outdoor recreation areas.

The Industrial Commission of North Dakota today approved $4.6 million in Outdoor Heritage Fund grants for 13 conservation and recreation projects benefiting communities across the state. The funding, generated from oil and gas production tax revenue, supports projects such as access to public and private lands for sportsmen, farming and ranching stewardship practices, fish and wildlife habitat preservation, and outdoor recreation areas.

The North Dakota Industrial Commission (NDIC) has approved a $3 million Oil and Gas Research Program grant for a project aimed at revitalizing North Dakota’s conventional oil fields. Total project costs will exceed $6 million, with private industry providing the additional funding.

The North Dakota Industrial Commission recently established a special grant round and is currently accepting applications through May 31st for the North Dakota Renewable Energy Program. The program funds projects that involve research and development of renewable energy technologies and processes that have strong growth potential in North Dakota.

The North Dakota Industrial Commission has approved an increase in the eligibility limits for state programs that assist with home purchases. Administered by North Dakota Housing Finance Agency (NDHFA), the programs help North Dakotans, typically first-time buyers, buy a home by providing low-cost financing, and down payment and closing cost assistance.

The North Dakota Industrial Commission (Commission) received today the Ordinary High Water Mark of the Missouri River Bed Review conducted by Wenck Associates, Inc. (Wenck).

The North Dakota Industrial Commission (Commission) has approved a $437,000 Renewable Energy Program grant to the Energy & Environmental Research Center (EERC) in Grand Forks to research low-pressure electrolytic ammonia (LPEA) production.

The North Dakota Industrial Commission voted today to allocate $200,000 through Helping Housing Across North Dakota (Helping HAND), a state program that aids organizations that provide home construction and rehab assistance to lower-income North Dakotans. The program is administered by North Dakota Housing Finance Agency (NDHFA).

The state-owned Bank of North Dakota recorded its 14th consecutive year of record profits in 2017, with $145.3 million in net earnings, the Bank reported today in its annual report to the state Industrial Commission.

The North Dakota Industrial Commission (NDIC) appreciates this opportunity to provide comments on the Bureau of Land Management proposal to revise the Waste Prevention, Production Subject to Royalties, and Resource Conservation Rule (2016 final rule).

Today North Dakota became the first state to receive final approval from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to regulate geologic storage of carbon dioxide. EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt signed North Dakota’s application this morning granting the state primary regulatory authority, also known as primacy, over Class VI injection of carbon dioxide for long-term storage. North Dakota will officially receive Class VI primacy when the final rule is published in the Federal Register, which is expected to occur in about a week.

The North Dakota Industrial Commission has approved a $238,366 Renewable Energy Program grant to the University of North Dakota (UND) in Grand Forks to develop a material that will enhance batteries, giving them more power, a longer battery life and better performance in low temperatures.

The North Dakota Industrial Commission is currently accepting applications through April 1, 2018, for the North Dakota Outdoor Heritage Fund Program.

John Weeda, who retired in 2017 as director of North Dakota Plant Operations for Great River Energy, has been selected to serve as  the director of the North Dakota Transmission Authority by the North Dakota Industrial Commission (NDIC) as of Feb. 14.

The North Dakota Industrial Commission (NDIC) appreciates the opportunity to offer comments on the Intent to Amend Land Use Plans Regarding Greater Sage-Grouse Conservation

Standard & Poor’s (S&P) affirmed Bank of North Dakota’s (BND) credit rating as “A+” and “A-1” for long-term and short-term credit respectively in its annual review released Nov. 7, 2017.

The North Dakota Industrial Commission (NDIC) appreciates this opportunity to provide comments on the Bureau of Land Management proposed rule entitled "Waste Prevention, Production Subject to Royalties, and Resource Conservation; Delay and Suspension of Certain Requirements" (BLM Proposed Rule) which would temporarily suspend or delay until January 17, 2019 certain requirements in the final rule published on November 18, 2016 (2016 Final Rule). For requirements in the 2016 Final Rule that are currently in effect, the BLM Proposed Rule would temporarily suspend their effectiveness until January 17, 2019. The BLM Proposed Rule will allow BLM sufficient time to review the 2016 Final Rule and consider revising or
rescinding its requirements.

The North Dakota Industrial Commission (NDIC) appreciates the opportunity to offer comments on the Bureau of Land Management's (BLM) Oil and Gas: Hydraulic Fracturing on Federal and Indian Lands; Recession Rule that seeks to rescind the "Oil and Gas; Hydraulic Fracturing on Federal and Indian Lands" (2015 final rule).

The North Dakota Industrial Commission authorized the Bank of North Dakota (BND) to offer two new loan programs that will assist livestock producers impacted by drought during a special meeting held on Sept 13.

MetroPlains LLC opened the doors to a unique senior apartment complex today. Located in downtown Bismarck, the four-story building offers very desirable amenities and it’s affordable.

Housing organizations statewide will benefit from a grant allocation authorized today by the North Dakota Industrial Commission (NDIC). North Dakota Housing Finance Agency (NDHFA) received permission to distribute $200,000 through its Helping Housing Across North Dakota (Helping HAND) program.

The North Dakota Industrial Commission has approved a $3 million pilot program through the North Dakota Housing Finance Agency (NDHFA) that supports local Community Land Trusts (CLTs) efforts to create more single-family housing for low- to moderate-income households.

The North Dakota Industrial Commission has approved updated income and acquisition cost limits for the North Dakota Housing Finance Agency’s (NDHFA) homeownership programs. The NDHFA assists state residents, typically first-time buyers, with the purchase of a home by providing low-cost financing and offering down payment and closing cost assistance and homebuyer education.

The North Dakota Industrial Commission has approved $1,125,000 in research and development grants for three renewable energy projects. The projects involve research and development of renewable energy technologies and processes that have strong growth potential in North Dakota.

North Dakota is the first state in the nation to apply for and receive approval for primary regulatory authority (primacy) over geologic storage of carbon dioxide, also known as carbon capture and storage (CCS), paving the way for exciting pilot projects that could have major impacts on the state’s energy industry.

Enhancing business diversification efforts and addressing financing gaps in economic development programming were key issues identified in a series of 40 meetings with business and finance leaders, economic development professionals and elected officials across the state in 2016. The outcome of these meetings combined with additional research by the Bank of North Dakota (BND) resulted in a recommendation to the Industrial Commission to enhance four existing BND programs and to implement a new program to assist fast growing companies in North Dakota.

In its 2016 Annual Report, Bank of North Dakota (BND) reported its 13th consecutive year of record profits, with $136.2 million in net earnings. Total assets decreased slightly from $7.4 billion in 2015 to $7.3 billion in 2016. BND ended the year with capital of $876 million. The state’s return on its investment at the Bank was a healthy 16.6 percent.

The North Dakota Industrial Commission (NDIC) appreciates this opportunity to comment on the DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration

The North Dakota Industrial Commission is currently accepting applications through March 1 for the North Dakota Renewable Energy Program.

The North Dakota Industrial Commission is currently accepting applications through February 1 for the North Dakota Renewable Energy Program.