Lignite Energy Council honors leaders for contributions to the lignite industry

The Lignite Energy Council recently honored 10 individuals for their dedication and contributions to the lignite industry during the Council’s 47th Annual Meeting on April 22, 2021, in Bismarck, ND.

“Our theme was ‘People with Energy,’ and certainly leaders who share their time and energy to benefit the entire industry are key to building a better lignite industry that provides reliable, low-cost and increasingly clean electricity,” said Jason Bohrer, president & CEO of the Lignite Energy Council.

  • Lignite Public Service Award: North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum for his support of lignite-industry-sponsored bills during the current legislative session along with his role on the North Dakota Industrial Commission, which oversees the Lignite Research Program. The state/industry R&D program began in 1987 and has provided grants to more than 200 projects. The state has invested more than $90 million in lignite research funds while the total investment from all sources is in excess of $750 million.
  • Distinguished Service Award – Government Action Program: Dale Niezwaag, vice president of government affairs for Basin Electric Power Cooperative, was recognized for his leadership as the chair of the Lignite Energy Council’s government affairs committee.
  • Distinguished Service Award – Public Relations: Mark Pierce, contract administrator for the Freedom Mine, was recognized for launching the Faces of North Dakota Coal page on social media. Geoff Simon, executive director of the Western Dakota Energy Association was honored for his work as a co-host of the Lignite Energy Council’s podcast: “Mined: Lignite in America.”
  • Distinguished Service Award – Education: Chris Baumgartner, a senior vice president with Basin Electric Power Cooperative, received an award for his company’s sponsorship of more than 140 out-of-state teachers since 2009 to attend the Lignite Energy Council’s annual Teachers Seminar. Electricity from North Dakota’s lignite-based plants serve customers in surrounding states including Montana, Minnesota and South Dakota.
  • Ambassador of Lignite Award: Several employees were honored for their many years of dedicated service and expertise to the lignite industry. They included: Randy Crooke, Falkirk Mine; Loren Laugtug, Otter Tail Power Company; Dennis James, North American Coal Corporation; Al Hodnik, ALLETE; and Karen Thingelstad, Minnkota Power Cooperative.

    Mark Pierce (L) and Geoff Simon (R) were recognized for their work to increase the public’s awareness of people and activities in the lignite industry.

    Chris Baumgartner, representing Basin Electric Power Cooperative, was recognized for his company’s support of the annual Teachers Seminar.

    Governor Doug Burgum was honored for his support of the lignite industry’s legislative initiatives and his work on the North Dakota Industrial Commission.


    Two of the five retirees honored this year received their plaques at the meeting. They were Minnkota’s Karen Thingelstad and ALLETE’s Al Hodnik.