Lignite Council Meeting | Video

Jennifer Joas | 10/3/2012

North Dakota`s oil industry has taken plenty of the thunder away from lignite, although coal is still a big part of our energy future. Speakers at today`s 39th Annual Lignite Council Meeting say it`s important the federal government not stand in the way.

The keynote speaker, Christopher Guith from the Institute for 21st Century Energy, says projects like the Keystone XL pipeline could bring more energy security to the country, but it`s caught in political limbo. There are also more federal regulations making it more difficult to mine, ship and burn coal.

He says the most effective thing North Dakotans can do is voice their opinions through voting.

"I think it`s important to make sure that you send officials to Washington at all levels that represent you and make sure that those resources will be utilized."

The lignite meeting will continue tomorrow with discussion about a government action program.

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