Government Action is the cornerstone of the program areas at the Lignite Energy Council. The mission of the Council is to promote policies and direct activities that maintain a viable lignite industry and improve its competitive position in the energy marketplace. In addition, the Council works to enhance the development of the region’s lignite resources for the benefit of consumers, producers, utilities, and businesses providing goods and services to the lignite industry.

The Lignite Energy Council is active at the state level in North Dakota and Minnesota and at the federal level in Washington DC. During each legislative session in North Dakota and Minnesota, representatives from LEC’s major member companies meet weekly to discuss legislation of importance to the lignite industry. Outside of legislative sessions, LEC hosts mine and plant tours for policymakers, legislative staff and industry officials to highlight North Dakota’s proactive mining reclamation activities to return mined land to as good or better condition before it was mined. LEC members are also very active with research and development into reducing carbon emissions through carbon capture use and sequestration technologies.

The Council also performs regulatory activities as it hosts quarterly meetings with the North Dakota Public Service Commission and the Department of Health to foster better communications between the industry and regulators. Federal legislative and regulatory initiatives are regularly reviewed by Council staff. 

The Council collaborates with national trade associations on federal issues and works closely with the North Dakota Congressional Delegation on legislation important to the lignite industry.

House Bill 1452 Bill Signing
Ceremonial bill signing of House Bill 1452 with Governor Doug Burgum, along with state and legislative leaders creating the Clean Sustainable Energy Authority.

Recent News

April 27th, 2020

Annual Report

February 8th, 2024

Women in STEM Week 2024

The Lignite Energy Council proudly announces Women in STEM Week, a celebration highlighting the remarkable contributions of women in the […]
February 1st, 2024

Scholarship applications open

Applications are now being accepted for the Jeff Burgess Memorial Scholarship Fund. The Jeff Burgess Memorial Scholarship Fund was established […]
September 15th, 2023

New Poll Reveals Surging Support for Carbon Capture and N.D. Coal Industry

For more information: Kay LaCoe – Vice President of Marketing & Communications O: 701.355.2194 | C: 701.400.6757 kay.lacoe@lignite.com FOR IMMEDIATE […]