September 9, 2024
Sonya Germann
State Director – Montana/Dakota’s District
United States Bureau of Land Management
5001 Southgate Drive
Billings, MT 59101
Re: Protest of the Proposed Resource Management Plan (RMP) and Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS) for the North Dakota RMP Revision
Director Germann,
The State of North Dakota submits this protest of the Proposed Resource Management Plan and Final Environmental Impact Statement (RMP and FEIS) for the North Dakota Resource Management Plan Revision issued in August 2024. Since statehood, North Dakota has been a responsible steward of our abundant natural resources. This final decision is in stark conflict with our state’s core interests, economy and governance.
This protest reflects the unified voices of more than a dozen state agencies and elected officials who have thoroughly reviewed the proposed RMP. Our collaborative approach seeks to ensure that the BLM’s actions are consistent with federal law, sound science and economic realities. North Dakota is committed to upholding its constitutional authority and sovereign right to manage our natural resources in the best interests of our citizens.
We urge the Bureau of Land Management to reconsider its approach, acknowledge the state’s substantial contributions to energy production for our national security, and select an alternative that ensures proper resource development and adheres to the principles of multiple use and sustained yield as mandated by federal law.
Thank you for your attention to this critical matter. We look forward to seeing an outcome that respects North Dakota’s rights and ensures the continued responsible development of our nation’s energy and natural resources.
Regards,
Doug Burgum
Governor