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Marvin Nelson on Environment
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Block giveaway of state-owned mineral resources
A lawsuit filed against the state of North Dakota seeks to prevent the transfer of up to $2 billion in oil and gas mineral rights, challenging a recently enacted state law as unconstitutional.The case filed by state Rep. Marvin Nelson and others
relates to the ownership of minerals under Lake Sakakawea, which the Legislature sought to clarify last year through Senate Bill 2134. The lawsuit argues the law is unconstitutional.
The legislation is estimated to reduce state revenues by $205
million for 2017-19 through oil royalty that will be returned or not collected. The lawsuit claims the state owns all of the minerals under Lake Sakakawea and the legislation gives away the perpetual ownership of those minerals, worth an estimated
$1.76 billion.
Nelson, who was a vocal opponent of the legislation, said the state holds those sovereign minerals in trust for the people of the state. "This illegal law harms taxpayers for the benefit of a small group of private parties," said Nelson.
Source: Bismarck Tribune on North Dakota voting record S.2134
, Jan 10, 2018
Invest in flood protection, even if we have to raise taxes
We asked Nelson for his take on ensuring flood protection for Minot: "I don't care if we have to borrow the money, or if we have to raise taxes, or whatever. If it came down to raising taxes in order to provide flood control for Minot,
Minot's more important to me than the taxes are. We have to make that investment," he said. GOP candidate Doug Burgum met with Minot leaders on flood protection in May.
Source: KFYR-TV on 2016 North Dakota Gubernatorial race
, Aug 12, 2016
Page last updated: Dec 24, 2019
