Peace Garden News

Congresswoman Julie Fedorchak, along with Senators John Hoeven and Kevin Cramer, have reintroduced the North Dakota Trust Lands Completion Act. This legislation aims to facilitate the development of state-owned lands and minerals in North Dakota. The bill proposes allowing the state to exchange its fragmented lands within Tribal Reservations for federal lands of equal value within the state.

Congresswoman Fedorchak described the legislation as "a commonsense solution to a longstanding problem," emphasizing its potential to enable responsible energy development while providing tribes with greater control over their lands. Senator Hoeven highlighted that this initiative could play a significant role in supporting economic growth and energy security by reducing land fragmentation and easing resource development.

Senator Cramer noted, “Our Trust Lands Completion Act is a win-win-win solution for North Dakota, tribes, and the federal government.” He believes it will restore tribal land ownership and simplify resource development processes.

Joseph Heringer, North Dakota Trust Lands Commissioner, stated that the legislation would enhance education funding while offering tribes opportunities to consolidate reservation lands. Mark Fox, Chairman of the Mandan, Hidatsa, and Arikara Nation, expressed support for restoring Reservation land previously taken from them.

North Dakota currently holds significant mineral and surface acres within Tribal Reservations that remain undeveloped due to existing federal laws. The proposed act would address these limitations through equal-value exchanges between North Dakota and the U.S. Department of the Interior.

The bill outlines that valuations will adhere to established appraisal standards without affecting Indian treaty rights or National Grasslands. Further details on the legislation are available online.