This bill amends section 38-08-21 of the North Dakota Century Code to clarify the authority of the industrial commission regarding the regulation of carbon dioxide and nitrogen gas. The commission is granted the authority to regulate the exploration, development, and production of these gases similarly to how it regulates oil and gas. Additionally, the bill introduces a prohibition on direct air carbon dioxide capture projects, stating that the commission may not approve or authorize such projects.

Furthermore, a new section is created that explicitly prohibits the construction, implementation, or operation of direct air carbon dioxide capture projects in North Dakota. The bill defines direct air carbon dioxide capture as the process of removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere using scrubbers and chemical processes for underground storage or product use. However, this prohibition does not apply to operators who already possess the necessary permits and approvals before the bill's effective date. The bill is set to expire on July 31, 2027.

Statutes affected:
INTRODUCED: 38-08-21