With the 69th Legislative Session in North Dakota in full swing, Season 1, Episode 6 of “Living in McKenzie County” brought together District 26 leadership in the form of Senator Dale Patten, Representatives Jeremy Olson, and Roger Maki. Led by host Vawnita Best, the discussion covered a wide range of topics, from committee roles to imminent legislative priorities, all with a focus on sustaining McKenzie County’s growth and its impact on the wider state.
For Senator Dale Patten, the legislative session is a critical time to address the burgeoning demands for electrical power and the evolving energy landscape. With McKenzie Electric experiencing a 10% increase in demand last year alone, the expansion of data centers and energy infrastructure was highlighted as a pressing concern. This was juxtaposed with Patten’s reflections from a recent energy tour in Germany, where he observed the challenges faced by a nation in green energy transition, providing valuable lessons for North Dakota as it navigates its energy strategy.
Representative Jeremy Olson emphasizes the importance of long-term economic diversification beyond the state’s traditional reliance on agriculture and energy. As the Bakken oil field changes, with an increase in natural gas over oil production, Olson stresses the need for strategic planning and infrastructure to support future growth. His remarks echoed a sentiment of balancing growth and sustainability, ensuring that North Dakota remains competitive and thriving in the coming decades.
The conversation also touched on the challenges of term limits and their impact on legislative effectiveness. Both Olson and Patten noted the need for early leadership development among legislators due to increased turnover, highlighting the importance of institutional knowledge being held by agency personnel and lobbyists. This shift could potentially influence the legislative process, underscoring the critical role of relationship building and communication.
Finally, as the state welcomes new leadership, the legislators expressed optimism about the continuity and potential change that a new governor might bring. The focus remains on ensuring North Dakota’s growth aligns with its resources and infrastructure capabilities. With property tax reforms, housing initiatives, and collaboration between state and local entities taking center stage, the session promises to be one of adaptation and foresight as North Dakota ushers in new chapters of development.
‘Living in McKenzie County’ is a multi-platform content series co-hosted by McKenzie County Economic Development Director Daniel Stenberg, and City of Watford City Community and Business Development Director Vawnita Best. It is produced and directed by Brock White, City of Watford City Marketing and Communications Coordinator. Emanating from The Studio at Long X, new episodes drop the 1st and 3rd Tuesday of each month on YouTube and all major podcast platforms.
