United States Senator John Hoeven for North Dakota

Hoeven: Senate Confirms Moniz as Energy Secretary

Thu, 16 May 2013 12:00:01 EST

Senator Presses Secretary to Support True, All-of-the-Above Energy Approach, States-First Approach to Hydraulic Fracturing...

Hoeven Statement in Response to the Interior Department's New Draft Rule on Energy Development on Federal and Tribal Lands

Thu, 16 May 2013 12:00:01 EST

WASHINGTON – Senator John Hoeven today issued the following statement in response to the new draft federal rule on hydraulic fracturing published by the U.S. Department of the Interior:

“America needs a practical, forward-looking, all-of-the-above energy plan that will help us to develop more energy with better environmental stewardship and lead us to the long-elusive goal of North American energy security. The way to achieve that goal, however, is not to add a new layer of regulation and bureaucracy on top of the thorough regulatory regimen that states already administer.

“The new federal rules proposed by the Interior Department will exacerbate permitting delays, duplicate state regulatory activities and impede energy development by adding additional costs. For example, under the current federal regimen it takes between 180 and 290 days to permit a well. On private land in North Dakota, the same permit takes just weeks.

“The right approach is to authorize states to regulate oil and gas development within its borders, as our Empower States Act proposes. The measure recognizes that every state’s geology is different and that nobody knows better than local experts and authorities how best to protect their own environment. The legislation recognizes that states, like North Dakota, have a long record of effectively regulating oil and gas development, including hydraulic fracturing, with good environmental stewardship.

“Finally, and perhaps most importantly, the Empower States Act makes clear that America is safer and more secure when it has affordable energy supplies from domestic resources and that domestically produced oil and gas provides good jobs and economic opportunity for our people. I will continue to work toward a comprehensive energy policy and legislation like the Empower States Act, which will help our nation to realize its full energy potential and produce the energy we need now and will need into the future.”

Hoeven: Full Senate Passes WRDA Bill with Authorization for Fargo-Moorhead Permanent Flood Protection

Wed, 15 May 2013 12:00:01 EST

Also Includes Hoeven Amendment Barring Corps from Charging Fees for Missouri River Reservoir Water...

Senators' Bipartisan Amendment to Block Proposed Corps Missouri River Surplus Water Fees Passes Senate

Wed, 15 May 2013 12:00:01 EST

WASHINGTON – The States’ Water Rights Act, an amendment sponsored by Senators John Hoeven (R-N.D.) and John Thune (R-S.D.), and cosponsored by Senators Heidi Heitkamp (D-N.D.), Tim Johnson (D-S.D.) and Max Baucus (D-Mont.), today passed in the U.S. Senate. The measure blocks the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers from charging residents and businesses a surplus water fee for access to Missouri River reservoirs. The legislation was adopted into the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA), which passed in the Senate today.

Since 2010, the Corps has restricted access to the Missouri River reservoirs and has proposed charging an unprecedented fee for so-called surplus water taken from the major reservoirs in the upper basin. Upper basin states relinquished prime lands to create dams and reservoirs from Fort Peck in Montana, through Garrison Dam in North Dakota, to Gavins Point in South Dakota. The states never ceded the right to use Missouri River water for municipal and industrial water supplies, and the Corps has not charged a fee in more than 60 years.

The States’ Water Rights Act changes statute to prevent the Corps from charging fees for “surplus water.” The Corps actions would have been in direct violation of a state’s right to the waters that naturally flow through its boundaries as recognized by the federal government. Further, charging fees would have reversed decades of Corps policy on surplus water and violated provisions of the 1944 Flood Control Act, which provides protection for water resources in western states. The affected states have promised to sue the Corps if fees are charged.

“North Dakota has fought long and hard to preserve the integrity of the Missouri River and the rights of our people to use it to support their homes and their livelihoods,” Hoeven said. “We cannot allow the federal government to charge us for water that historically, legally and ethically belongs to the citizens and tribes of North Dakota or any other Missouri River state that sacrificed valuable land and resources to the Pick–Sloan Missouri Basin Program.”

“South Dakotans should not be charged for water that is legally and historically theirs,” said Thune. “The Corps’ surplus water fee proposal ignores the history and precedent of the Missouri River states’ water rights, and our common-sense legislation prevents a massive power grab by the Corps and ensures that the federal government honors the long-standing agreements between these Missouri River states and the Corps of Engineers.”

“It is completely inappropriate for the federal government to charge states and Tribal nations for water that naturally flows through their land,” said Heitkamp. “I am pleased that a bipartisan group of Senators came together in a proactive way to establish that the Corps of Engineers cannot tax North Dakotans for using their own water.”

“The tribes and communities in South Dakota that depend on Missouri River water for safe, reliable drinking water should not face additional charges for the water coming from the reservoirs,” said Johnson. “The steps by the Corps of Engineers to establish surplus water fees are ill-suited to the upper Missouri River reservoirs and run counter to the historical precedent of these projects. This amendment provides a good resolution to the legitimate concerns raised by our states and tribes.”

Hoeven Statement on Peace Officers Memorial Day

Wed, 15 May 2013 12:00:01 EST

WASHINGTON – Senator John Hoeven today issued the following statement in commemoration of Peace Officers Memorial Day:

“Today, I wish to join the many Americans from across our country who are pausing to observe Peace Officers Memorial Day and remember the fallen officers who have made the ultimate sacrifice while upholding justice and protecting our communities. These brave men and women represent the very best of our nation, and it is fitting and right that we should set aside a day to remember their courage, dedication and willingness to put themselves in harm’s way for the rest of us. In doing this, we help honor the enduring legacy these individuals have left to their families, communities and our nation.”

Hoeven: U.S. Senate Ag Committee Passes Farm Bill

Tue, 14 May 2013 12:00:01 EST

Bill Has Strong Provisions for Growers, but More to Do in House, Conference Committee...

Hoeven: Bobcat's $20 Million Expansion in Bismarck Will Spur Innovation and Job Growth for North Dakota

Mon, 13 May 2013 12:00:00 EST

BISMARCK, N.D. – Senator John Hoeven today marked the continued expansion of North Dakota’s economy while helping to break ground on the new $20 million Bobcat Company Acceleration Center located at the company’s existing Bismarck-based Northern Plains Commerce Centre (NPCC) facility. The expansion of the NPCC site, coupled with additional renovation projects, will boost Bobcat’s product design and testing capabilities, while initially enabling 135 salaried employees to work from the facility.

Senator Hoeven traveled to South Korea to promote trade and push for the new U.S.-South Korea Trade Agreement that passed in the last session of Congress. While there, Hoeven met with Yongmaan Park, Chairman of Doosan Corp., the parent company of Bobcat. The Senator encouraged him to expand Bobcat’s operations in North Dakota and last year, the company announced its current expansion plans in Bismarck.

“We appreciate Bobcat’s expansion, and in particular, we welcome the Acceleration Center, the company’s outstanding new innovation facility in Bismarck where it will create, design and test the cutting-edge products of the future,” Hoeven said. “We’ve worked with Rich Goldsbury and Bobcat over the years because they have always been innovators and makers who would thrive in the pro-business, innovative climate we’ve worked hard to develop in North Dakota.”

Bobcat’s new Acceleration Center is intended to foster the innovation and development of new, cutting-edge products. The new facility will allow employees to prototype new ideas and projects and expand production operations for Bobcat’s compact attachments line which creates new tools for customers to use with Bobcat equipment. In addition to the $20 million investment in new construction, land and technology investments, Bobcat is also investing an additional $15 million to renovate several portions of the existing NPCC facility, bringing to $35 million the company’s investment in Bismarck.

Bobcat currently employs 225 salaried employees at its Bismarck locations and 400 hourly employees at its Bismarck Factory. The company maintains headquarters in West Fargo and has additional facilities located in Fargo, Gwinner and Wahpeton.

In addition to Hoeven, Senator Heidi Heitkamp, Congressman Kevin Cramer, Governor Jack Dalrymple, Bismarck Mayor John Warford and Bobcat President Rich Goldsbury participated in today’s groundbreaking ceremony.

Hoeven Presses USDA Secretary to Support Sensible School Lunch Act

Fri, 10 May 2013 12:00:01 EST

Hoeven Presses USDA Secretary for Enhanced Crop Insurance, Workable Prevented Plant Rules

Fri, 10 May 2013 12:00:01 EST

Hoeven Presses USDA Secretary for Enhanced Crop Insurance, Workable Prevented Plant Rules

Fri, 10 May 2013 12:00:01 EST

WASHINGTON – Senator John Hoeven this week pressed U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary (USDA) Secretary Tom Vilsack for strong crop insurance programs and a commitment to make the prevented plant program work for producers. Hoeven questioned Vilsack at a hearing of the U.S. Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Related Agencies.

“Agriculture is stepping up and providing budget savings, so it will be very important that crop insurance is there for our producers in a solid way going forward,” said Hoeven.

Following Hoeven’s roundtable meetings last week with North Dakota agriculture groups and Acting USDA Risk Management Administrator Brandon Willis, the Senator pressed Secretary Vilsack for a commitment to make prevented plant program rules clear and workable for producers.

“Producers must plant and harvest a crop one out of four years in order to be eligible for prevented plant under crop insurance. There are other rules that make prevented plant very, very confusing,” said Hoeven. “We need to ensure that prevented plant rules are clear and we need your commitment to work with us to make them workable for our producers.”

Secretary Vilsack committed to work with Hoeven and RMA Administrator Willis to make the program more efficient and effective.

Hoeven is also a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, which is expected to consider the Farm Bill in the coming weeks. The Senate Agriculture Committee will use as its starting point for the new farm bill the legislation Senator Hoeven worked to craft last year with other members of the U.S. Senate Agriculture Committee. A top Hoeven priority is the inclusion of enhanced crop insurance, which farmers and ranchers across North Dakota and the country have indicated they need for effective risk management.

Hoeven To USDA Secretary: Support Sensible School Lunch Act

Fri, 10 May 2013 12:00:01 EST

Senator Calls for Permanent Flexibility in School Nutrition Programs...

Delegation: FAA Agrees to Maintain Midnight Shift for Fargo Air Traffic Control Tower

Thu, 09 May 2013 12:00:01 EST

WASHINGTON – Senators John Hoeven and Heidi Heitkamp and Congressman Kevin Cramer today announced that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) will continue 24-hour operation of the air traffic control tower (ATC) at Hector International Airport. The Fargo facility was on a national list of airports scheduled for a possible reduction in hours of service.

Following calls to the FAA, the delegation yesterday followed up with a letter to FAA Administrator Michael Huerta telling him that the legislation passed by Congress last week to avert air traffic controller furloughs gives the agency the budget flexibility it needs to retain 24-hour service.

They noted that Hector International Airport is the only 24-hour ATC-serviced airport in the state and provides emergency relief for flight diversions from other airports in the region. Additionally, the airport serves as an important part of regional emergency care services. Both flight diversions and emergency care services by necessity operate on a 24/7/365 basis, they said.

The delegation wrote:

“We believe that reducing the overnight hours at the Hector International Airport would limit the airport’s ability to provide the necessary services to the surrounding communities. With this greater flexibility, the FAA has sufficient resources to maintain 24-hour Air Traffic Control (ATC) status at the Hector International Airport. Accordingly, we request that FAA maintain 24-hour ATC status at the Hector International Airport as part of its review.”

Hoeven Pushes Authorization for Flood Protection Project on Senate Floor

Thu, 09 May 2013 12:00:01 EST

Also Enlists Support of Corps Chief in Appropriations Hearing...

Hoeven Expresses Support for Corn Growers New Venture

Thu, 09 May 2013 12:00:01 EST

WASHINGTON – Senator John Hoeven today expressed his support for a new $1.5 billion fertilizer plant being planned by the North Dakota Corn Growers and their partners. He said the planned new facility, Northern Plains Hydrogen, will convert natural gas into anhydrous ammonia, which he said is particularly beneficial because it will provide two important benefits to North Dakota.

“This new facility would provide farmers throughout the region with supplies of nitrogen fertilizer, and at the same time, help to reduce flaring and increase recovery of natural gas,” Hoeven said. “This is the kind of synergy we worked to develop through our comprehensive plans for economic development and energy. This is a great concept that brings together energy and value-added agriculture, building on North Dakota’s leadership role in both industries.”

The proposed project was created by a partnership of farmers throughout the Upper Plains and is the result of a North Dakota State University study funded by the Corn Growers Associations of North Dakota, South Dakota and Minnesota, and the Manitoba Canola and North Dakota Soybean Councils. It will produce more than 600,000 tons of nitrogen per year and employ about 135 full-time employees. Construction is scheduled to begin in early 2015 and the plant and would be completed in 2017.

Delegation to FAA Administrator: New FAA Bill Gives Agency Flexibility to Maintain Midnight Shift for Fargo Air Traffic Control Tower

Wed, 08 May 2013 12:00:01 EST

WASHINGTON – Senators John Hoeven and Heidi Heitkamp and Congressman Kevin Cramer yesterday sent a letter to the administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Michael Huerta, calling for the continuation of Hector International Airport’s 24-hour Air Traffic Control status.

The delegation told the administrator that legislation passed last week to avert air traffic controller furloughs across the country also gives the FAA the flexibility they need to retain the midnight shift at the Fargo air traffic control tower. They wrote:

“Hector International Airport is the only 24-hour ATC serviced airport in North Dakota. Accordingly, this airport provides emergency relief for flight diversions, and the runway serves as a primary emergency divert field for any aircraft transiting over our state. It is not uncommon to see flights divert to Fargo when Minneapolis or Winnipeg experiences severe weather.

“In addition to providing emergency relief for flights, this ATC airport is an important part of regional emergency health care services. Sanford Health, the largest medical facility in the region, operates one King Air and one EC-145 helicopter in Fargo on a 24/7/365 basis in air medical operations. The Fargo control tower being a 24/7 operation increases the level of safety for the operations conducted.

“We believe that reducing the overnight hours at the Hector International Airport would limit the airport’s ability to provide the necessary services to the surrounding communities. While we are aware of the difficult budget situation facing the FAA, we recognize that Congress has given the FAA improved budget flexibility through the passage of the Reducing Flight Delays Act of 2013. With this greater flexibility, the FAA has sufficient resources to maintain 24-hour Air Traffic Control (ATC) status at the Hector International Airport. Accordingly, we request that FAA maintain 24-hour ATC status at the Hector International Airport as part of its review.”

Hector International Airport serves as an emergency diversion point for nearby cities experiencing severe weather and assists with air medical operations in the region. The Fargo tower was listed among those facing a possible reduction in hours of operation.

Hoeven to Corps: No Missouri River Water Fees

Wed, 08 May 2013 12:00:00 EST

On May 8, 2013, Senator John Hoeven (R-ND) questions the Army Corps of Engineers proposed plan to charge storage fees for access to Missouri River water. The Senator presses the Corps to drop its plan to charge fees.

Hoeven to Interior Secretary: Approve Red River Valley Water Supply Project, Improve Social Services at Spirit Lake

Wed, 08 May 2013 12:00:00 EST

WASHINGTON – Senator John Hoeven this week pressed new Department of Interior Secretary Sally Jewell to work with him to move forward North Dakota priorities, including issuing a Record of Decision (ROD) for the Red River Valley Water Supply Project and addressing child protective issues on the Spirit Lake Reservation. Hoeven also pressed the Interior Department to ensure its regulations for energy development on federal lands are efficient and workable. Hoeven questioned the secretary at a hearing of the Senate Appropriations Committee.

“We’ve invited Secretary Jewell to North Dakota to show her firsthand our state’s priorities for the Interior Department and we look forward to working with her on issues important to our state,” said Hoeven. “We need a Record of Decision from Interior to move forward the Red River Valley Water Supply Project. The BIA and Interior Department must continue working with the Spirit Lake Tribe to address child social service issues on the reservation. We also need to ensure that regulations for energy development and permitting on federal lands are workable. These are a few of the issues that we must work together to address.”

Red River Valley Water Supply Project

Hoeven stressed the importance of the Red River Valley Water Supply Project and pressed Secretary Jewell to provide a Record of Decision (ROD) to move it forward. The project has been authorized by Congress, but awaits approval of the Interior Department. Secretary Jewell agreed to meet with the senator to discuss the project and to issue a final decision.

Spirit Lake Child Social Services

The senator pressed Jewell and the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) to work with the Spirit Lake Tribe to address child protective services issues. Hoeven invited the secretary to visit the Spirit Lake Reservation during her trip to North Dakota, and she indicated that she would work with Hoeven’s staff to include Spirit Lake in her itinerary while in North Dakota.

Energy Permitting and Regulations

Hoeven said that forthcoming hydraulic fracturing regulations for federal lands must be workable and that permitting on Bureau of Land Management (BLM) lands is lagging due to bureaucracy. The senator pressed Jewell to ensure that the Interior Department and its agencies streamline and simplify energy regulations and the permitting process so that the rules are clear, fair and certain. Jewell indicated that she understand the role of hydraulic fracturing in our nation and that the Interior would be releasing its rules for hydraulic fracturing in the coming weeks. The secretary also said she would work with Hoeven to pass legislation like his BLM Streamlining Act, which would help to reduce backlogs in permitting on federal lands.

Hoeven also thanked the Interior Department for an updated U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) study that the senator pressed for two years ago. The study updated the amount of technically recoverable oil in the Williston Basin. Hoeven said the revised estimate of 7.4 billion barrels would help to attract private infrastructure investments in the region.

Hoeven: Full Senate Agrees to Take Up WRDA Bill

Tue, 07 May 2013 12:00:01 EST

Measure Includes Authorization for Permanent Flood Protection ...

Hoeven Presses Interior Secretary to Work on ND Priorities

Tue, 07 May 2013 12:00:00 EST

Purple Heart Presentation

Fri, 03 May 2013 12:00:01 EST

May, 2013- Senator Hoeven presents a Purple Heart to Vietnam Veteran James Tofteland in Minot.