Armstrong’s Call to Action: Reassessing BLM’s Resource Management Plan for North Dakota

BISMARCK, N.D. – Governor Kelly Armstrong released the subsequent statement today against the U.S. Bureau of Land Management (BLM) concluding its revised Resource Management Plan (RMP) for North Dakota, notwithstanding ongoing objections from the state.

The state lodged a protest in September with contributions from over a dozen state agencies and elected representatives who comprehensively assessed the draft RMP submitted earlier this year. The conclusive RMP hinders leasing on more than 4 million acres, or close to 99%, of federal coal lands in North Dakota, and restricts 213,100 acres, or 44%, of federally controlled fluid mineral lands from leasing. It is also projected to cost the state approximately $34 million annually in earnings from oil and gas royalties and taxes, potentially resulting in the loss of over 12,000 coal-related jobs in the region. Former Governor Doug Burgum also submitted a final appeal last month, which was rejected by the BLM.

“It’s evident that the BLM had no intention of considering North Dakota’s perspective and was determined to enforce this detrimental plan during the final days of the Biden administration, disregarding our state’s valid concerns and specific conditions regarding mineral possession,” Armstrong stated. “This plan will not enhance the safety of our state, but rather disrupt our electrical infrastructure, compromise our national security, and increase energy prices for consumers in North Dakota and beyond. We will utilize every resource at our disposal, including collaborating with our congressional delegation and former Governor Burgum once he secures confirmation as Interior Secretary, to annul this plan and safeguard states’ rights.”