05.04.15

Hoeven: Operations Underway at New Dakota Prairie Diesel Refinery

Senator Says Infrastructure Investment Key Component of Comprehensive National Energy Policy

DICKINSON, N.D. – Senator John Hoeven today thanked MDU Resources Group, Inc. and Calumet Specialty Products Partners for their innovative investment in North Dakota as operations get underway at their new $300 million Dakota Prairie Diesel Refinery in southwestern North Dakota. The senator cited the greenfield fuels refinery, the first built in the U.S. in nearly 40 years, as a good example of the kind of infrastructure investments needed to grow domestic energy production, create good jobs and help to make our nation energy secure.

“We need to invest in our nation’s energy infrastructure,” said Hoeven. “The Dakota Prairie Diesel Refinery is a good example of the kind of infrastructure investments that will help ensure a bright energy future for North Dakota and our nation. We are pleased to see production underway at the refinery. This facility is creating jobs and helping to grow our domestic energy production, which in turn will help to make our nation more energy secure." 

As a member of the Senate Energy and Resources Committee, Hoeven has been working to build a comprehensive, states-first, energy policy for the nation. The senator helped to break ground for the refinery and joined company officials to review construction on the plant in August 2013.

Dakota Prairie Refining is a joint venture between MDU Resources and Calumet to develop, build and operate the refinery. The refinery is built on 318-acres west of Dickinson and according to company officials will employ approximately 80 people.

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