February 24, 2020 - Lignite Energy Council

An association means “we’re better together”

A couple of years ago, I was reminiscing with one of the most-tenured legislators in North Dakota about the history of the lignite industry. He told me he was proud of the support he has...

Member Update

ND coal production reaches 27.2 million tons in 2019

North Dakota’s five lignite coal mines produced 27.2 million tons of lignite coal in 2019, which was an 8 percent drop from the 29.7 million tons mined in 2018 and the 29.1 million tons mined...

Member Update

Annual meeting to feature two national advocates for coal-based electricity

Two speakers at this year’s annual meeting – Terry Jarrett and Michelle Bloodworth – are among the best-known advocates for coal-based electricity in the United States. Jarrett will speak on April 15 and Bloodworth on...

Member Update

John Weeda addresses new transmission capacity study at the interim energy committee meeting

North Dakota might be a state with a lot of generation sources and a well operating transmission grid, but transmission constraints will be a limiting factor going forward, said John Weeda, director of the North...

Member Update

Minnesota legislative session considers “Clean Energy First” bills

The 2020 Legislative Session has begun and already there are many reasons that LEC members who live in North Dakota should be paying very close attention to what happens at the Minnesota State Capitol. Around...

Member Update

Plains CO2 Reduction (PCOR) Partnership begins new phase – buildout of infrastructure

The Plains CO2 Reduction (PCOR) Partnership has been pioneering the concept of capturing and storing CO2 since 2004. Various studies have mapped out surface and subsurface geology that can be used in the future for...

Member Update

Informing the public about carbon capture, utilization and storage in 2020

Since late last year, the Coalition for a Secure Energy Future has focused its advertising messaging about carbon capture, utilization and storage (CCUS). Most researchers would agree that commercialization of CCUS is pivotal to advancing...

Member Update

Mark your calendars for these 2020 events:

Lignite Research Council Grant Deadline – April 1 LEC 2020 Annual Meeting – April 15-16 Lignite Research Council Meeting – May 14 ND CoalPAC Golf Tournament – July 23 Coalition for A Secure Energy Future...

Legislative Updates

Minnesota Legislative Update

Minnesota Legislative Update The 2020 Legislative Session has begun and already there are many reasons that LEC members who live in North Dakota should be paying very close attention to what happens at the Minnesota...

Member Update

Government Affairs Update – February 2020

By Jonathan Fortner, LEC Director of Government Relations LEC to join the Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO) Advisory Committee Last week, MISO’s Advisory Committee voted in favor of a proposal to create a new “Affiliate”...