Environment

This North Dakota resolution urges Congress to create federal protections for the wild horse herd at Theodore Roosevelt National Park. It highlights the herd's historical connection to Theodore Roosevelt's era, its role in preserving North Dakota's cultural identity, and its economic benefits through tourism. The resolution specifically requests Congress enact legislation to ensure the long-term health and preservation of the herd. As a concurrent resolution, it does not create law but formally requests federal action.

SCR 4002 is a North Dakota legislative resolution urging Congress to create a law allowing landowners to end permanent easements held by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) on their property. It specifically targets landowners with FWS easements covering over one million acres of agricultural land in North Dakota, where the resolution states federal regulations restrict activities like farming and ranching. The key mechanism proposed would let landowners terminate these easements by paying the FWS the easement's value as of the date it was established. This resolution seeks to address concerns that perpetual FWS easements infringe on private property rights under North Dakota law.

Relating to conservation easements and leaseholds; and to amend and reenact sections 4.1‑01‑21, 4.1‑01‑21.1, and 49‑22‑09.2 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to the federal environmental law impact review fund, the environmental impact mitigation fund, and mitigating environmental impacts; and to declare an emergency.

SCR 4004 is a joint resolution designating April 21-28, 2025, as "North Dakota Dark Sky Week." It urges building owners, operators, and tenants to voluntarily reduce unnecessary lighting during migration seasons to help protect birds and reduce light pollution. The resolution specifically encourages participation in observing and supporting dark sky resources, without creating new legal requirements or penalties.

HB 1453 would ban North Dakota state and local governments from engaging with "natural asset companies" - businesses that manage natural resources (like forests or water) to generate environmental benefits. The bill prohibits selling or leasing state-owned land to these companies, investing public funds in them, and allows lawsuits to reclaim land if violations occur. It would also prevent natural asset companies from operating in North Dakota by blocking their registration, business licenses, and any contracts with state entities. This directly affects state agencies, political subdivisions, and public fund managers, but does not impact private citizens or non-governmental activities.