Lignite Energy Council Podcast

In this episode, we chat with Mike Heger, President of the BNI Mine, about his vision for the future of the lignite industry. Mike discusses the recent achievement of mining 200 million tons, showcasing the hard work and creativity in this field. We talk about the important role the lignite industry plays in providing energy and supporting local communities. Mike also shares insights about the diverse workforce at BNI Mine and the organization’s rich history.

In this episode, Wes Engbrecht, Communications and Public Relations Manager at Capital Electric Cooperative in Bismarck, North Dakota, discusses the crucial role of rural electric cooperatives in delivering reliable baseload power to more than 19,000 members. He explains how community-driven co-ops were established to provide affordable electricity to rural areas and highlights the unique challenges they face, including maintaining grid stability in remote regions during severe weather events. Wes also shares insights into the operations of Capital Electric and the co-op’s contribution to rural economic development.

In this episode, Michael Bell, the dynamic host of the Dakota Mornings Radio Show, joins us to share insights into his early career and the pivotal moments that led him to transition to Washington, DC, where he became deeply involved in Republican politics. He reflects on his extensive experience as a lobbyist, advocating for key issues at both state and national levels, before ultimately returning to North Dakota to take the helm of the popular Dakota Mornings show. Throughout the conversation, Michael offers valuable reflections on his journey, the challenges he has overcome, and the lessons he’s learned across both media and political arenas.

In this episode, Geoff Simon, Executive Director of the Western Dakota Energy Association (WDEA), discusses the economic opportunities and challenges facing North Dakota's coal and oil industries. He highlights the vital role these sectors play in local economic development, from job creation to infrastructure growth, while addressing regulatory and market challenges impacting the region.

In this episode, Rich Garman, Director of Economic Development & Finance at ND Commerce, discusses his role in advancing North Dakota’s economy. He explains why the state is an ideal spot for business investment, emphasizing the energy sector’s vital role in attracting new opportunities. Rich also highlights the growth potential of the lignite industry and how it’s positioned to drive future economic development and innovation in the region.

In this episode, Mike Holmes, Technical Advisor to the Lignite Research Council, explores the council's impact on North Dakota's coal industry. He covers topics such as funding, technology advancements, emissions reduction efforts, and the various potential uses of lignite coal.

In this episode, Retha Mattern, Education and Membership Director at LEC, emphasizes the significance of educating teachers about North Dakota's lignite coal industry and ensuring balanced perspectives in the classroom. She also offers an overview and insights from the 38-year-old LEC Teachers Seminar, exploring its impact and evolution over the years.

In this episode, NDIC Deputy Director Reice Haase offers a thorough overview of the North Dakota Industrial Commission, founded in 1919. He delves into the commission’s unique history of steering industrial development in the state, including its oversight of various state and industry partnership research councils, a state bank, and a state mill and elevator. Additionally, Reice covers the commission's regulatory role, innovations, the history of lignite, research funding, carbon capture initiatives, and energy policy.

In this episode, North Dakota State Representative Anna Novak shares her inspiring journey from grassroots activism to becoming a legislator. She delves into her passionate efforts to save Coal Creek Station from closure, a critical mission that ultimately propelled her into the political arena. Novak provides an insider’s perspective on the challenges and triumphs she faced along the way, offering listeners a unique glimpse into the intersection of activism and legislative work.

The conversation also underscores the crucial role that sound energy policy plays in ensuring reliable baseload electricity generation. Novak articulates how these policies are vital for the continued success and sustainability of the coal industry, highlighting the broader economic and environmental implications. Through her story, listeners will gain a deeper understanding of the significant impact that dedicated individuals can have on shaping the future of energy policy and the coal sector.

Tune in to hear Representative Novak’s compelling narrative and her insights into the importance of robust energy policies for the coal industry’s future.

In this episode, Minnesota State Representative Pat Garofalo discusses Minnesota's energy policy and its societal impacts. Highlighting the shale gas revolution, Garofalo explains how it has transformed energy production and reduced reliance on imports. The conversation addresses how polarization and special interest groups hinder effective energy policy, with specific attention to environmental activism's influence. They explore Minnesota's carbon-free energy goals and the challenges of balancing reliability and cost. The discussion also touches on how Minnesota's energy policies affect North Dakota's coal industry, emphasizing the legal and economic conflicts arising from differing regulatory approaches. The episode concludes with a discussion on electric vehicles, AI's future energy demand, and the need for fact-based policy decisions to ensure America's energy leadership.