According to this KX News article, energy and property taxes were an issue in the recent debate between Gov. John Hoeven, who is seeking re-election, and his opponent, North Dakota state legislator Tim Mathern.

From the article:

The candidates were asked about the state’s oil boom and what they would do to sustain the growth we are experiencing here’s part of their answer…

(Tim Mathern / (D) Gov. Candidate) “we are taking our oil, sending it out of state at discounted price, bringing it back at retail selling price, something wrong with that picture. We can build an oil refinery.” (Gov. John Hoeven / (R) Seeking re-election) “look what’s going on in the country, and how they are doing compared to ND. That didn’t happen by accident, that happens with a plan to build and expand and diversify this economy. And a sound, prudent approach to leadership that continues to build for the future.”

The current oil boom, specifically in the Bakken area, should definitely be addressed as part of North Dakota’s future.  As should renewable fuels like wind energy and biofuels…our surplus, and our ability to decrease taxes, diversify our economy, and create jobs that will keep our young people interested in staying in ND all depend somewhat on getting a handle on our energy.

Personally, I think two things should happen: 

• We should try to interest investors in building refineries here.  A refinery would have the potential to make a big difference, if not in local gas prices, then at least in our ability to export a value-added form of energy.  I’m not sure how I feel about a state-owned refinery.  Either way, there is plenty of investment opportunity in ND.
• Along the same lines, I would love to see private capital fund the building of pipelines and energy transmission lines to help get our abundant energy resources to the coasts.

I’m sure we’ll see proposed legislation on both those subjects in this upcoming legislative session.