Lignite Energy Council Podcast

As electricity demand rises and the focus returns to reliable energy, new projects are creating real dollars for local communities. LEC President Jonathan Fortner explains how coal country is positioned for growth, including new coal plants, expanded mining, and large-load developments like data centers and critical mineral facilities, which could generate up to $11 million annually in local revenue if these projects are built, strengthening budgets, services, and America's energy future.

Alison Ritter has been the executive director of the Western Dakota Energy Association (WDEA), since July 2025, following the retirement of former ED Geoff Simon. WDEA represents counties, cities, and school districts in oil/gas and coal-producing areas, focusing on revenue sharing (gross production tax in lieu of property tax) and policy. In this episode she discusses the synergy between the oil & gas industry and coal, the need for transmission and pipelines, and responsible growth.

Where will the next generation of our industry's workforce come from? How is that pipeline of talent growing? At our 2025 Lignite Energy Council annual conference, I sat down with three people across the spectrum of energy workforce development. Shawn Brink, the North Dakota Energy Education Coordinator, shared his passion for helping middle and high school students find their "ah-ha!" moment. Dr. Daniel Leingang, interim president at Bismarck State College, discussed how programs are being developed and added to meet the industry's evolving needs. And Pat Bertagnolli, Executive Director of Job Service North Dakota, discussed equipping adults with the skills they need to change their careers. We talked about the role of technology in education, how they're dealing with AI and automation, and how they need more involvement from those currently in the energy sector to support their efforts.

The Lignite Energy Council has gone through a lot of change in the past 50 plus years. At the 2025 lignite energy council annual conference, I sat down with MacMcLennan…the CEO and President of Minnkota Power Cooperative, and the outgoing Lignite Energy Council board chair…and Todd Brickhouse, President & General Manager of Basin Electric Power Cooperative…our incoming board chair. Together we discussed the Council's progress over the past year, leadership transitions, and what their vision is for the next chapter of coal.

He could be called the Millennial Mike Rowe. With an eye towards big equipment, a love for moving dirt, and a passion for finding the best of mining practices across the world, Aaron Witt has built his career around the dirt world. In November, he flew to Bismarck, ND straight from Belize to talk to our members at our 2025 annual conference.

Coal is the 5 th largest industry in North Dakota, and provides the dependable, reliable electricity we use every day. Governor Kelly Armstrong talked to our members at the 2025 Lignite Energy Council annual conference about coal's role in powering our state's economic growth.

What does it take to be a leader in your community? Why do those voices matter? How can you add to the conversation? During our annual conference in November, Jonathan Fortner sat down with Ron Ness of the North Dakota Petroleum Council, Arik Spencer of the Greater North Dakota Chamber, and Alison Ritter of the Western Dakota Energy Association, to discuss the challenges of engaging and recruiting the next generation of industry professionals to serve as county commissioners, legislators, and policymakers.

As we kick off 2026, we're looking towards the future of the coal industry this year. What new opportunities are in store, and what's going to be making headlines this year? At our annual conference in November, Mike Holmes of the Lignite Energy Council discussed some of those research & development opportunities with Stacy Tschider, CEO of Rainbow Energy Center, Carroll Dewing, Sr. Vice President and COO of the North American Coal Corporation, and Josh Stanislowski, Director of Energy Systems Development at the EERC. Take a listen and hear what they had to say about emerging markets, critical minerals, data centers, and more.

One of the biggest headline-makers of the past year has been carbon capture and utilization. Let's separate the fact from the fiction, and look at how captured carbon can secure a long-term future for both the lignite industry and the state's oil and gas industry. In November 2025 Mike Holmes, the Lignite Energy Council Executive VP of Research & Development, sat down with Ron Ness, President of the North Dakota Petroleum Council, Charles Gorecki, CEO of the EERC, and Conway Nelson, Director of Carbon Management at Rainbow Energy Center, to explore the role carbon plays in powering industry innovation.

As 2025 comes to a close, we're taking a look back at policy and legislative decisions that impacted the lignite coal industry over the years. What will it take to support positive energy policy going forward? During the 2025 Lignite Energy Council annual conference, Reps. Todd Porter and Anna Novak and Sen. Dale Patten sat down with Jessica Bell, VP of External Affairs at Rainbow Energy Center, to discuss the state's role in advancing coal and energy production.

LEC President & CEO Jonathan Fortner is joined by LEC's Executive Director of Public Engagement Retha Mattern to recap the key federal, state and local developments impacting North Dakota's lignite industry in 2025, reflect on the year's major milestones and discuss how far the industry and the LEC have come over the past year.

North Dakota State Senator Dale Patten joins the podcast to share his insights on the future of North Dakota's energy industry and his perspective as a key policymaker in the legislature. Topics include coal, critical minerals, CO₂ pipelines, and balancing growth with landowner rights.

In this episode of the LEC Podcast, we talk with Minnkota Power CEO Mac McLennan about energy policy, carbon capture, and the future of coal in North Dakota. With decades of experience, McLennan shares insights on industry challenges, regulatory shifts, and economic opportunities.

In this episode, we sit down with Congresswoman Julie Fedorchak, North Dakota's newest member of the federal delegation. She shares insights from her first two months in Washington, D.C., discussing her work on energy policy, protecting North Dakota's natural resources, and advocating for a reliable electric grid. Tune in to hear her perspective on the challenges and opportunities ahead for the state and the nation.

In this episode, DEQ Director Glatt joins to discuss environmental regulations affecting the lignite industry. He highlights North Dakota's strong compliance record, challenges with federal policies and the importance of state-led oversight.

This episode of the Lignite Energy Council Podcast explores the "Lignite Plant of the Future," with EERC guest Tyler Hamman discussing lignite's economic importance, regulatory challenges, and advanced technologies to ensure a thriving future for lignite in North Dakota.

This episode features Brent Bogar, who discusses his role in advancing carbon capture education efforts in North Dakota. The conversation explores the state's carbon capture initiatives, economic benefits for various industries, public engagement strategies, and the importance of addressing regulatory and safety concerns to support informed decision-making and economic growth.

In this episode, Kay Lacoe, Vice President of Public Affairs for the Lignite Energy Council, discusses the results of recent statewide polling on public opinion regarding the coal industry and carbon capture technology in North Dakota. The conversation highlights strong bipartisan support for the use of carbon capture to maintain jobs and reduce emissions, as well as the significant role the lignite industry plays in the state's economy. The polling data underscores North Dakotans' preference for reliable, affordable energy sources and their support for state efforts to challenge federal regulations that could negatively impact the coal industry

In this episode, we meet Daryl Hill, a lignite historian, who discusses the early history of lignite mining in North Dakota, from discoveries by Lewis and Clark to the transition from small, labor-intensive operations to mechanized mining in the 1920s. The episode highlights the significant economic and community impact of the lignite industry, including job creation, generational benefits, and the growth of coal-country communities. Daryl also emphasizes modern reclamation efforts, technological advancements, and the importance of preserving the history and legacy of lignite through education and public engagement.

In this episode of the LEC Podcast, we sit down with Chief Meteorologist Kevin Lawrence to explore the science behind weather patterns and the art of forecasting. Kevin shares insights into the tools and techniques used to predict North Dakota's unique weather, along with highlights from his educational journey and experiences in meteorology. The conversation also delves into answering basic weather related questions along with the topic of climate change, examining its potential implications for the energy industry.

Commissioner Randy Christmann joins to discuss his extensive background in North Dakota's energy sector and his insights into the future of energy policy and regulation. Commissioner Christmann shares his unique perspectives on the evolving electricity markets, highlighting both the challenges and opportunities for coal within them. He also delves into promising advancements in coal's role, including its potential in rare earth minerals, the development of carbon capture technologies, and the integration of data centers.

In this episode, we sit down with Brandon Rust, owner of Bokashi Earthworks, to explore the innovative ways he plans to utilize lignite coal in the development of non-toxic, nutrient-rich fertilizers for organic farming. Brandon shares insights into the importance of sustainable agriculture, the growing demand for organic farming solutions, and how cutting-edge NASA technologies are being integrated into domestic fertilizer production using lignite coal.

Commissioner Fedorchak joins for a live recording at the Lignite Energy Council's Annual Meeting. She shares her journey to becoming a Public Service Commissioner, the unique challenges she has faced in shaping energy policy, and her perspective on the critical role of coal in today's energy market. She emphasizes the importance of proactive advocacy for the coal industry and discusses the need for stronger voices to ensure coal remains a competitive player in an evolving energy landscape.

Congressman Kelly Armstrong joins the podcast to discuss his views on energy policy which he has learned during his time as a State Senator, Congressman and Republican Nominee for Governor. He discusses his background, political career, advocacy for North Dakota's energy and agricultural industries, regulatory challenges, energy policy, carbon capture technology, legal battles, campaign for governor, and message to coal industry workers.

In this episode, we chat with Mike Heger, President of the BNI Mine, about his vision for the future of the lignite industry. Mike discusses the recent achievement of mining 200 million tons, showcasing the hard work and creativity in this field. We talk about the important role the lignite industry plays in providing energy and supporting local communities. Mike also shares insights about the diverse workforce at BNI Mine and the organization's rich history.

In this episode, Wes Engbrecht, Communications and Public Relations Manager at Capital Electric Cooperative in Bismarck, North Dakota, discusses the crucial role of rural electric cooperatives in delivering reliable baseload power to more than 19,000 members. He explains how community-driven co-ops were established to provide affordable electricity to rural areas and highlights the unique challenges they face, including maintaining grid stability in remote regions during severe weather events. Wes also shares insights into the operations of Capital Electric and the co-op's contribution to rural economic development.

In this episode, Michael Bell, the dynamic host of the Dakota Mornings Radio Show, joins us to share insights into his early career and the pivotal moments that led him to transition to Washington, DC, where he became deeply involved in Republican politics. He reflects on his extensive experience as a lobbyist, advocating for key issues at both state and national levels, before ultimately returning to North Dakota to take the helm of the popular Dakota Mornings show. Throughout the conversation, Michael offers valuable reflections on his journey, the challenges he has overcome, and the lessons he's learned across both media and political arenas.

In this episode, Geoff Simon, Executive Director of the Western Dakota Energy Association (WDEA), discusses the economic opportunities and challenges facing North Dakota's coal and oil industries. He highlights the vital role these sectors play in local economic development, from job creation to infrastructure growth, while addressing regulatory and market challenges impacting the region.

In this episode, Rich Garman, Director of Economic Development & Finance at ND Commerce, discusses his role in advancing North Dakota's economy. He explains why the state is an ideal spot for business investment, emphasizing the energy sector's vital role in attracting new opportunities. Rich also highlights the growth potential of the lignite industry and how it's positioned to drive future economic development and innovation in the region.

In this episode, Mike Holmes, Technical Advisor to the Lignite Research Council, explores the council's impact on North Dakota's coal industry. He covers topics such as funding, technology advancements, emissions reduction efforts, and the various potential uses of lignite coal.

In this episode, Retha Mattern, Education and Membership Director at LEC, emphasizes the significance of educating teachers about North Dakota's lignite coal industry and ensuring balanced perspectives in the classroom. She also offers an overview and insights from the 38-year-old LEC Teachers Seminar, exploring its impact and evolution over the years.

In this episode, NDIC Deputy Director Reice Haase offers a thorough overview of the North Dakota Industrial Commission, founded in 1919. He delves into the commission's unique history of steering industrial development in the state, including its oversight of various state and industry partnership research councils, a state bank, and a state mill and elevator. Additionally, Reice covers the commission's regulatory role, innovations, the history of lignite, research funding, carbon capture initiatives, and energy policy.

In this episode, North Dakota State Representative Anna Novak shares her inspiring journey from grassroots activism to becoming a legislator. She delves into her passionate efforts to save Coal Creek Station from closure, a critical mission that ultimately propelled her into the political arena. Novak provides an insider's perspective on the challenges and triumphs she faced along the way, offering listeners a unique glimpse into the intersection of activism and legislative work. The conversation also underscores the crucial role that sound energy policy plays in ensuring reliable baseload electricity generation. Novak articulates how these policies are vital for the continued success and sustainability of the coal industry, highlighting the broader economic and environmental implications. Through her story, listeners will gain a deeper understanding of the significant impact that dedicated individuals can have on shaping the future of energy policy and the coal sector. Tune in to hear Representative Novak's compelling narrative and her insights into the importance of robust energy policies for the coal industry's future.

In this episode, Minnesota State Representative Pat Garofalo discusses Minnesota's energy policy and its societal impacts. Highlighting the shale gas revolution, Garofalo explains how it has transformed energy production and reduced reliance on imports. The conversation addresses how polarization and special interest groups hinder effective energy policy, with specific attention to environmental activism's influence. They explore Minnesota's carbon-free energy goals and the challenges of balancing reliability and cost. The discussion also touches on how Minnesota's energy policies affect North Dakota's coal industry, emphasizing the legal and economic conflicts arising from differing regulatory approaches. The episode concludes with a discussion on electric vehicles, AI's future energy demand, and the need for fact-based policy decisions to ensure America's energy leadership.

In this episode, LEC host Jonathan Fortner and environmental and energy lawyer Mike Nasi discuss the EPA's new regulations impacting North Dakota's coal industry. They critique the EPA's carbon rule and its unrealistic timelines for carbon capture technology, emphasizing the negative effects on the US power sector. The conversation highlights the tension between federal regulations and state flexibility, the importance of elections in shaping environmental policies, and North Dakota's efforts in carbon capture. The episode concludes with concerns about the EPA's overreach threatening grid stability and economic competitiveness.