For more information:
Kay LaCoe – Vice President of Marketing & Communications
O: 701.355.2194 | C: 701.400.6757
kay.lacoe@lignite.com
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – December 18th, 2024
BISMARCK, N.D. – The latest results from statewide polling conducted in early December reaffirm overwhelming support for coal, skepticism of the intent behind recent federal energy regulations, and growing favorability for using carbon capture technologies for in-state projects that support the continued use of coal.
There is overwhelming support for coal’s continued role in powering North Dakota, with 79% favoring its use for electricity production and 71% saying coal should continue to be mined in North Dakota. A significant majority of voters (67%) prioritize the production of abundant energy sources like coal, oil, and gas over intermittent renewable sources.
“We’re seeing broad-based support of coal, which highlights the industry’s enduring value as an economic and energy cornerstone, sustaining communities and providing good-paying jobs,” said Kay LaCoe, Lignite Energy Council Vice President of Marketing & Communications. “Affordable and reliable energy from coal unites voters across political lines.”
Public sentiment reinforces concerns about federal overreach and strongly supports state-led legal action to defend the state’s energy sector. Polling shows a majority of voters (58%) support the state challenging federal regulations that would increase energy costs and harm the economy. This is supported by a majority (63%) of the state who believe that federal energy regulations are driven by a political agenda, versus only 34% who believe scientific data back them.
Polling trends confirm most North Dakotans recognize carbon capture technology as a forward-thinking response to emission regulations without eliminating fossil fuels. Bipartisan support of carbon capture technology came in strong at 81%, favoring in-state carbon dioxide emission, capture, and storage projects. Pipeline transport of carbon dioxide favorability remains strong at 59%, and two-thirds (67%) describe carbon capture technology as safe. These results highlight North Dakotans’ confidence in carbon capture as a practical and innovative solution for balancing environmental goals, supporting coal as a preferred energy source.
North Dakotans are optimistic about the direction the state is headed (65%), reflecting confidence in the state’s economy and energy policies, which are supported by and foster growth of the state’s lignite coal industry. While inflation remains the top concern for voters, property taxes have emerged as a close secondary concern. Economic pressures underscore the important role of reliable and affordable energy coal provides.
The polling, conducted by Public Opinion Strategies, occurred between December 5 and 8, 2024, and included a sample size of 500 North Dakota residents.
About the Lignite Energy Council
The Lignite Energy Council is a regional trade association representing North Dakota Lignite producers, electric utilities, and more than 200 businesses providing goods and services to the mines and plants. The lignite industry generates approximately $5.75 billion in gross business volume and facilitates 12,000 direct and indirect jobs within the state.
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