Source: United States Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND)
BISMARCK, N.D. – U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND), member of the Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee, spoke at the 14th annual Great Plains EmpowerND Energy Conference at Bismarck State College and toured the new North Dakota’s Gateway to Science building site.
Senator Cramer participated on the “All of the Above: The Big Picture in State and National Energy Policy” panel moderated by North Dakota Petroleum Council President Ron Ness. The panel also featured Senator John Hoeven (R-ND), Congressman Kelly Armstrong (R-ND), and North Dakota Lieutenant Governor Brent Sanford (R-ND).
“Now more than any point in my lifetime, it is imperative the United States is energy secure. North Dakota leads in clean, safe production of numerous forms of energy and the federal government should be empowering – not stifling – our innovation. Right now, the biggest threat to our energy supply is the Biden Administration. Shutting down certain U.S. energy businesses and producers in the name of climate change, while simultaneously begging communist Venezuela and Saudi Arabia for oil, puts Americans last. The reality is, producing all forms of American energy will send positive signals to global energy markets, reduce costs, and lower global greenhouse gas emissions. Solutions are going to come from North Dakota, not Washington, D.C. I applaud our energy community’s continued leadership which not only benefits North Dakota, but all of America,” said Senator Cramer.
Senator Cramer emphasized North Dakota’s excellence in energy production and innovation and commended state entities and local businesses for their leadership in this industry. He also discussed various federal regulatory headwinds and his work against them, permitting reform efforts, Valdimir Putin’s weaponization of energy in the war on Ukraine, the need to supply more American-made energy to Europe, and opportunities for the energy industry in North Dakota.
In his remarks, Senator Cramer highlighted his op-ed with Lt. General H.R. McMaster outlining an America First trade and climate policy and “Bully Pulpit” speaker series, which brings a variety of public officials and influential leaders to North Dakota to hear from constituents and share their expertise in a format designed for constructive discussions.
Following the Great Plaines EmpowerND energy conference, Senator Cramer participated in a press conference.
The day wrapped with a tour of the new North Dakota’s Gateway to Science building site, a hands-on science center to inspire the discovery of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM). The building includes an education wing with a lab classroom and additional classrooms. The new center also serves as the headquarters for Gateway to Science on the Go, a statewide outreach program.
“The new Gateway to Science building will be instrumental in educating and inspiring children of all ages to learn more about science. Students will be able to discover and engage with state-of-the-art exhibits which will cultivate STEM education and long-term career opportunities in North Dakota. I look forward to its grand opening,” said Senator Cramer.