This bill amends sections of the North Dakota Century Code related to environmental impact funds and introduces new provisions regarding conservation easements and leaseholds. Specifically, it modifies Section 4.1-01-21 to allow the commissioner to invest moneys in the federal environmental law impact review fund under the supervision of the state investment board. Additionally, Section 4.1-01-21.1 is amended to include the ability for the commissioner to invest moneys in the environmental impact mitigation fund, and it expands the permissible uses of the fund to include purchasing and maintaining easements or leaseholds, alongside existing uses such as consulting with environmental experts and habitat restoration.

Furthermore, the bill creates a new section that empowers the commissioner to purchase and hold conservation easements or leaseholds in the name of the state, with the stipulation that any easement or leasehold must be terminated if it is deemed unnecessary. This legislative change aims to enhance the state's ability to manage environmental impacts from energy development while ensuring that funds are effectively utilized for mitigation efforts and conservation initiatives.

Statutes affected:
INTRODUCED: 4.1-01-21, 4.1-01-21.1