Measure 1 has been described as a “solution in search of a problem.” But it’s actually much worse than that. It is the PROBLEM.
On September 20, the Lignite Energy Council hosted 25 North Dakota legislators and candidates on a tour of the Falkirk Mine and Coal Creek Station. One of the state senators on the tour commented, “I wanted to go this year in case Measure 1 passes in November, and the Lignite Energy Council can no longer give tours to state lawmakers.”
That’s the problem with Measure 1. It’s a poorly written constitutional measure that seeks to fix a problem that doesn’t exist. It would create an unelected and unaccountable ethics commission on the taxpayers’ dime and the result would be a constriction on free speech when it involves the political and business interests of the state.
The Lignite Energy Council is on record as opposing Measure 1 because we need to tell our story about how homegrown lignite powers the homes and businesses of 2.2 million people in the Upper Midwest. Lawmakers don’t grow up with the innate knowledge that the state’s five coal mines and seven lignite-based power plants meet all federal ambient air quality standards or produce affordable and reliable electricity, or employ directly and indirectly 14,000 people.
What a warped view lawmakers would have of the North Dakota lignite industry if they could only get their information from mainstream media. Free speech is important to the success of our industry so any effort to restrict must be opposed.
The Lignite Energy Council has joined with the Greater North Dakota Chamber in opposing this measure. Other companies in the lignite industry, including the mining companies and electric utilities, have also joined forces with GNDC to oppose Measure 1.
North Dakota’s citizen legislature meets every other year. The legislators answer to their local voters. We have seen first-hand that elections in this state are very open and transparent. Contributions from donors, including our CoalPAC, can be found on the Secretary of State’s Web site. So where’s the problem?
Apparently, some out-of-state interests feel that by shutting down communication in the political arena, their particular interests will be better served. They funded a shadow group in North Dakota to get this ill-conceived and poorly written measure on the November ballot.
The board of directors of the Lignite Energy Council believe the future prosperity of North Dakota and its people, whether farmers, energy employees or Main Street businesses is better served by keeping the lines of communication open and transparent.
For more information, go to www.NDMeasure1.com. Please remember to vote no on Measure 1 on November 6.
Jason Bohrer
President and CEO
Lignite Energy Council