By Jonathan Fortner, President & CEO, Lignite Energy Council
As we gather with family and friends this Thanksgiving, many of us will sit in warm homes, cook big meals, watch football, and enjoy time together without thinking twice about the power that makes it all possible. Here in North Dakota, our reliable electricity comes from lignite coal and the people who work around the clock to provide it.
Our coal-fired power plants deliver consistent, affordable electricity in a place where winter weather can turn dangerous fast. When temperatures plunge or storms roll in, these plants keep the heat on and the lights steady. That reliability helps hold down power bills for families and businesses, something we all appreciate as costs rise across almost every part of life.
Coal’s contribution goes far beyond the grid. The lignite industry supports thousands of good-paying jobs and strengthens local economies across central North Dakota. Those paychecks support small businesses, keep schools and community services funded, and help rural towns remain strong. The stability our industry provides is felt well beyond mine sites and plant doors.
North Dakotans can also be proud of the environmental commitment behind this work. Our state has continues to meet all federal ambient air quality standards, and companies continue to invest in advanced technologies and responsible mining and reclamation practices. The people in this industry live, hunt, farm, and raise families here. They care deeply about protecting the land and air we all share.
This Thanksgiving, I’m grateful for the dedicated workers who keep our energy reliable, affordable, and responsibly produced.