North Dakota Congresswoman-elect Fedorchak on Energy

In a recent op-ed, Congresswoman-Elect Julie Fedorchak of North Dakota discussed the urgent need for energy policy reform. With Fedorchak’s deep understanding of the industry—she previously served as a member of the state’s Public Service Commission—and North Dakota’s critical role in the U.S.’ energy, she argues that her state’s energy sector demonstrates what the rest of the nation’s energy security could look like. However, she warns how restrictive policies under the Biden administration are causing what she dubs “energy suicide,” which threatens growth, jobs, and grid reliability.

While North Dakota excels in producing vital resources such as oil, and natural gas, Fedorchak warns that the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) introduction of regulations, such as the finalized rule on emissions from coal and gas power plants, threatens the reliability of the nation’s energy grid.  Fedorchak argues the EPA’s new regulations ultimately affect everyone through unreliable and inconsistent power nationwide.

In addition to policy, Fedorchak calls for a necessary shift from advocate-focused energy policy leaders to scientists and engineers. She also urges Congress to prioritize the permitting process reform, especially for essential infrastructure projects like pipelines, allowing states like North Dakota to fully contribute to supporting the national electric grid.

The Congresswoman-elect is optimistic that the incoming Trump administration will advocate policies that enhance energy innovation and independence. She sees these as crucial for national security, economic growth, and American resilience in the global energy market. Ultimately, the op-ed stresses the need for U.S. energy policy realignment to strengthen national energy security, economic resilience, grid reliability, and job security.