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SB 2159

AN ACT to amend and reenact section 15-11-40 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to projects the state energy research center is permitted to pursue.

69th Legislative Assembly (2025-26) Introduced by Dick Anderson and 5 co-sponsors

Defines the State Energy Research Center’s exploratory energy research focus, reporting, partnerships, and prohibits above-ground high-level radioactive waste activities in North D

Filed with Secretary Of State 04/22
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Bill Summary · SB 2159

Summary — SB 2159 (North Dakota) — Amend § 15‑11‑40, N.D.C.C.

Status: Filed with Secretary of State 04/22/2025 (Governor signed 04/21/2025)
Introduced: March 10, 2025
Subject: Projects the State Energy Research Center is permitted to pursue

Purpose and intent

SB 2159 clarifies and updates the statutory authority, duties, reporting, and limits on the State Energy Research Center (the center) located at the University of North Dakota Energy and Environmental Research Center (EERC). The bill is intended to (1) define the center’s research focus on exploratory, transformational, and innovative energy work that benefits North Dakota’s economy and environment; (2) set reporting requirements and partnership authorities; and (3) prohibit the center from engaging in specified high‑level radioactive waste activities above ground in North Dakota.

Key provisions

  • Location/creation: Confirms the state energy research center is at UND’s EERC and outlines its mission to advance future energy opportunities that benefit the state’s economy and environment (N.D.C.C. § 15‑11‑40).
  • Research focus: Authorizes exploratory research of technologies and methodologies for prudent development and clean, efficient use of the state’s energy resources; better access to energy experts for timely scientific and engineering studies; and education and outreach related to state energy resources.
  • Reporting: Requires the center to report its research activities and accomplishments annually to the Interim Legislative Energy Development and Transmission Committee and the Industrial Commission; upon request, the center must report to the legislative appropriations committees.
  • Authorities and partnerships: Permits the EERC to select research topics; enter contracts/agreements with other North Dakota institutions of higher education, federal, private, and nonprofit organizations; and accept donations, grants, contributions, and gifts from any source to carry out selected research.
  • Restriction on radioactive waste work: Prohibits the center from conducting research or pursuing projects that would result in the exploration, storage, treatment, or disposal of high‑level radioactive waste above ground in North Dakota.

Who is affected

  • Primary: University of North Dakota EERC/State Energy Research Center (operational scope and funding avenues).
  • Secondary: Other North Dakota institutions of higher education, federal/private/nonprofit research partners, potential funders/donors, the Industrial Commission, and legislative oversight committees.
  • Projects or proposals involving above‑ground high‑level radioactive waste activities in ND would be excluded from center involvement.

Procedural timeline and votes

  • Introduced: March 10, 2025.
  • Passed both chambers (Enrollment records): Senate: Yeas 43, Nays 3. House: Yeas 57, Nays 32.
  • Sent to Governor and signed April 21, 2025; filed with Secretary of State April 22, 2025.

Potential impacts

  • Clarifies and likely broadens permissible energy research partnerships and funding mechanisms for the center while explicitly preventing its involvement in above‑ground high‑level radioactive waste projects — which may limit participation in certain federal or private waste‑management initiatives but preserves a broad mandate for other energy innovation and outreach activities.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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