Episode 8: Geoff Simon, Executive Director of the Western Dakota Energy Association
Lignite Energy Council Podcast
Release Date: 09/11/2024
Episode 24: North Dakota State Senator Dale Patten
Lignite Energy Council Podcast
North Dakota State Senator Dale Patten joins the podcast to share his insights on the future of North Dakota’s energy industry and his perspective as a key policymaker in the legislature. Topics include coal, critical minerals, CO₂ pipelines, and balancing growth with landowner rights.
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Episode 23: Mac McLennan, CEO of Minnkota Power Cooperative
Lignite Energy Council Podcast
In this episode of the LEC Podcast, we talk with Minnkota Power CEO Mac McLennan about energy policy, carbon capture, and the future of coal in North Dakota. With decades of experience, McLennan shares insights on industry challenges, regulatory shifts, and economic opportunities.
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Episode 22: Congresswoman Julie Fedorchak (R-ND)
Lignite Energy Council Podcast
In this episode, we sit down with Congresswoman Julie Fedorchak, North Dakota’s newest member of the federal delegation. She shares insights from her first two months in Washington, D.C., discussing her work on energy policy, protecting North Dakota’s natural resources, and advocating for a reliable electric grid. Tune in to hear her perspective on the challenges and opportunities ahead for the state and the nation.
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Episode 21: Dave Glatt, Director of ND Department of Environmental Quality
Lignite Energy Council Podcast
In this episode, DEQ Director Glatt joins to discuss environmental regulations affecting the lignite industry. He highlights North Dakota’s strong compliance record, challenges with federal policies and the importance of state-led oversight.
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Episode 20: Lignite Plant of the Future, Tyler Hamman EERC
Lignite Energy Council Podcast
This episode of the Lignite Energy Council Podcast explores the "Lignite Plant of the Future," with EERC guest Tyler Hamman discussing lignite's economic importance, regulatory challenges, and advanced technologies to ensure a thriving future for lignite in North Dakota.
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Episode 19: CO2 Education Program, Brent Bogar AE2S
Lignite Energy Council Podcast
This episode features Brent Bogar, who discusses his role in advancing carbon capture education efforts in North Dakota. The conversation explores the state’s carbon capture initiatives, economic benefits for various industries, public engagement strategies, and the importance of addressing regulatory and safety concerns to support informed decision-making and economic growth.
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Episode 18: Kay LaCoe, VP of Public Affairs for the Lignite Energy Council
Lignite Energy Council Podcast
In this episode, Kay Lacoe, Vice President of Public Affairs for the Lignite Energy Council, discusses the results of recent statewide polling on public opinion regarding the coal industry and carbon capture technology in North Dakota. The conversation highlights strong bipartisan support for the use of carbon capture to maintain jobs and reduce emissions, as well as the significant role the lignite industry plays in the state’s economy. The polling data underscores North Dakotans' preference for reliable, affordable energy sources and their support for state efforts to challenge federal...
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Episode 17: Daryl Hill, Lignite Historian
Lignite Energy Council Podcast
In this episode, we meet Daryl Hill, a lignite historian, who discusses the early history of lignite mining in North Dakota, from discoveries by Lewis and Clark to the transition from small, labor-intensive operations to mechanized mining in the 1920s. The episode highlights the significant economic and community impact of the lignite industry, including job creation, generational benefits, and the growth of coal-country communities. Daryl also emphasizes modern reclamation efforts, technological advancements, and the importance of preserving the history and legacy of lignite through education...
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Episode 16: Kevin Lawrence, Chief Meteorologist
Lignite Energy Council Podcast
In this episode of the LEC Podcast, we sit down with Chief Meteorologist Kevin Lawrence to explore the science behind weather patterns and the art of forecasting. Kevin shares insights into the tools and techniques used to predict North Dakota’s unique weather, along with highlights from his educational journey and experiences in meteorology. The conversation also delves into answering basic weather related questions along with the topic of climate change, examining its potential implications for the energy industry.
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Episode 15: Public Service Commissioner Randy Christmann
Lignite Energy Council Podcast
Commissioner Randy Christmann joins to discuss his extensive background in North Dakota’s energy sector and his insights into the future of energy policy and regulation. Commissioner Christmann shares his unique perspectives on the evolving electricity markets, highlighting both the challenges and opportunities for coal within them. He also delves into promising advancements in coal’s role, including its potential in rare earth minerals, the development of carbon capture technologies, and the integration of data centers.
info_outlineIn 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.