State of North Dakota's Involvement
"...North Dakota's economic future depends on our ability to add value to our abundant natural resources through innovation and technology. Our Lignite Vision 21 Project combines the latest environmental and generation technologies so we can continue to provide clean, affordable electricity for our region's citizens and businesses. Our state leaders are committed to streamlining the various permitting processes in order to shorten lead time, reduce risk and ensure a successful investment. With our productive work force and favorable business climate, we can help develop and build the finest state-of-the-art electrical generating facility in the world..." Governor Edward T. Schafer
"...With over 4,000 megawatts of existing generation, North Dakota's lignite industry has a solid record in meeting standards imposed by EPA and the North Dakota Department of Health. We are one of only a handful of states to meet all federal ambient air quality standards. Not only will the latest environmental technology that is part of our Lignite Vision 21 Project protect our state's environment, but it will also provide opportunities for technology transfer in national and international markets. Quality jobs for our state, a clean environment and affordable energy for our region will give us the competitive edge we need to successfully compete in the world marketplace..." Attorney General Heidi Heitkamp
"...Mining, power generation and transmission have become as much a part of North Dakota's landscape as the waving wheat fields and pastures. With our Lignite Vision 21 Project, the lignite industry will continue to be good stewards of our natural resources in producing energy, just as farmers and ranchers are good stewards of the resources they use in producing our food. Best of all, the lignite industry has proven to be a great partner with agriculture in diversifying the economy of our state. Their solid record of reclamation makes us all proud to have them as a part of our state..." Agriculture Commissioner Roger Johnson
The North Dakota Industrial Commission, made up of the state's Governor, Attorney General and Agriculture Commissioner, shares the vision of a growing, vibrant lignite industry. Their recognition of the importance of the lignite industry to the state's future is pivotal in bringing the Lignite Vision 21 Project to reality. Involved from the very beginning, the Industrial Commission's leadership for the Lignite Vision 21 Project will help earn the trust and support of investors, consumers and the general public. As the state's leading economic development advocates, their bipartisan effort ensures a measure of success not otherwise attainable.
The North Dakota Legislature has also emphasized in state law that it is an essential state government policy "...to assist with the development and wise use of North Dakota's vast lignite resources by supporting a lignite research, development and marketing program that promotes economic, efficient and clean uses of lignite and products derived from lignite in order to maintain and enhance development of North Dakota lignite..." (NDCC 54-17.5001).
The state of North Dakota, through its Industrial Commission and the Legislature, has an effective public / private partnership with the lignite industry.
The lignite industry appreciates the opportunity to work with Governor Edward T. Schafer, Attorney General Heidi Heitkamp and Agriculture Commissioner Roger Johnson, who share this vision of a state of the art, coal based electric generating station for region.
Interested investors & customers
should contact:
A.J. (Tony) Rude, Project Manager
Lignite Vision 21 Project
9899 Aetna Ave. NE, Monticello, MN 55362
Phone: (763) 878-2281, Fax: (763) 878-1543
E-Mail: trude@lignite.com
Rich Voss, Manager of Projects
Lignite Vision 21 Project
1016 E. Owens Ave., Bismarck, ND 58501
Phone: (701) 258-7117, Fax: (701) 258-2755
E-Mail: rvoss@lignite.com
Lignite Vision 21 Project Web Site
(What is the Lignite Vision 21 Project)
Lignite Energy Council Web Site