North Dakota Representative Julie Fedorchak says collaboration between the coal and oil industries could deliver major economic and energy benefits. Speaking alongside Energy Secretary Chris Wright in Grand Forks, Fedorchak pointed to the use of carbon dioxide from coal-fired power plants for enhanced oil recovery. “The CO2 from coal-fired power generation, using it for enhanced oil recovery to extend the life of both of those industries, creates more jobs, more energy, and more reliable and affordable power for the citizens of this country. It’s just an incredible opportunity.” Fedorchak noted the plan’s impact extends beyond energy, helping agriculture remain competitive. “It’s a huge cost for farmers and ranchers, so anything we can do to lower those costs and maintain the supply, keep it reliable and affordable, will help our farmers make ends meet. It also provides another outlet for our crops and our products. So I’m really bullish about the future of biofuels in our country and the role that North Dakota farmers can play as energy producers.”
