Peace Garden News

Senators John Hoeven and Kevin Cramer, along with Representative Julie Fedorchak, have reintroduced the North Dakota Trust Lands Completion Act. This bicameral legislation aims to enhance the development of state-owned lands and minerals by allowing the State of North Dakota to exchange state-owned lands and minerals within Tribal Reservations for federal land and minerals of equal value in North Dakota. The delegation had previously secured Senate passage of this legislation, a step that aids its progress in the 119th Congress.

Senator Hoeven emphasized the importance of energy development on both state and federally-held lands, noting its role in economic growth and energy security. "Through equal-value exchanges, our legislation would help the State of North Dakota and Native American Tribes reduce the fragmentation of their minerals and surface acres," he stated.

Representative Fedorchak highlighted the benefits for all parties involved: "Our Trust Lands Completion Act is a win-win-win solution for North Dakota, tribes, and the federal government."

Senator Cramer called it a "commonsense solution" to a longstanding issue, adding that it empowers North Dakota to better utilize its resources while giving tribes more control over their lands.

The act is also supported by local tribal leaders. Chairman Mark Fox of the Mandan, Hidatsa, and Arikara Nation expressed approval: “We were glad to help shape how the draft bill would restore some Reservation land previously taken from us.”

Currently, North Dakota controls over 130,000 acres of minerals and 31,000 surface acres within Tribal Reservations which remain largely undeveloped due to existing federal laws that limit land exchanges between state and federal governments. The proposed legislation seeks to address this by facilitating equal value transactions between North Dakota and the Interior Department.

These transactions will adhere to established appraisal standards without affecting any Indian treaty rights or National Grasslands. Further details on this legislation can be accessed online.