Hoeven, Heitkamp to Host Interior Secretary Sally Jewell for North Dakota Energy Tour

BISMARCK, N.D. – On Tuesday, Aug. 6 and Wednesday, Aug. 7, Senators John Hoeven and Heidi Heitkamp will host U.S. Department of Interior Secretary Sally Jewell for a tour of western North Dakota and Theodore Roosevelt National Park. They will meet with energy sector leaders and review oil and gas development in the region to better understand North Dakota’s comprehensive approach to energy development over the past 10 years.

“The comprehensive, states first approach to energy development we’ve pursued with Empower North Dakota over the past decade has helped to produce the lowest unemployment rate and the fastest growing income in America, as well as record surpluses to meet the priorities of the people of North Dakota,” Hoeven said. “We’re bringing Secretary Jewell to the state to show her that the nation can do the same to create jobs, economic opportunity and energy security and independence for the American people.”

“Secretary Jewell’s visit is an opportunity for the Administration to see firsthand how North Dakota is paving the way for the rest of the country in energy development,” said Senator Heitkamp. “North Dakota is on the frontlines of developing and harnessing our vast natural resources from oil, gas, and coal to wind energy and biofuels. We’re doing it all. Our state is showing that by taking an all-of-the above approach, we can truly achieve national energy security and North American energy independence. North Dakota is doing that at a state level, and by following North Dakota’s lead, we can also do it at a national level. I’m excited for Secretary Jewell to see it for herself.”

Tuesday, August 6

Tuesday afternoon, Hoeven, Heitkamp and Jewell will hold a media availability at Statoil's offices in Williston to provide an overview of the secretary's visit and answer questions regarding their two-day tour of the Bakken region.

Following the media availabilty, media are welcome to accompany Hoeven, Heitkamp and Jewell on a tour of several Statoil rigs. The group will discuss the Natural Gas Liquids (NGL) extraction process and proposed Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) and Gas Lift Projects. CNG units can capture natural gas as a compressed liquid, which can then be distributed as a cleaner fuel to the field.

They will also visit Statoil's Pyramid production site, located within the city limits of Williston. Statoil has worked to minimize the footprint on the site, using landscaping to improve the visual impression.

The Park Service Management team in Medora will provide the group with a brief overview of Theodore Roosevelt National Park (TRNP). After the brefing, they will tour a section of the park by car and on foot.  

Wednesday, August 7

Wednesday morning, Hoeven, Heitkamp and Jewell will provide a brief wrap-up of the tour and be available to media for questions.

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