[{"_1":2,"_112":-5,"_113":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6329649,"mediaKeyId","2315863-9ccf34df2a88000f9b09fab864519f31","parentId",2315863,"title","Committee pauses natural‑asset company bill after agency and industry concerns; sponsor, AG counsel to refine definitions","audioSeconds",1968,"startMs",1974000,"endMs",5033,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2315863-9ccf34df2a88000f9b09fab864519f31&start=1974&end=5","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2315863-9ccf34df2a88000f9b09fab864519f31/thumbnail_1974000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6329649/North-Dakota/Committee-pauses-naturalasset-company-bill-after-agency-and-industry-concerns-sponsor-AG-counsel-to-refine-definitions","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6329649-e3004bb3572c31767372c626702cc05a/orig.mp4?Expires=1771178464&Signature=WnUsNq~zjJE47BrM3FpNfy3Vx-SxIPMNLMT~82-Qj20M6974Mj5-aB2vKpowUIcJRVQjDaVBxxZCl1udkAwHGDYrlEDJwp4APEVbvPM29WBm1q2qLTSJAbC1I~7d8OMSk5-Pak3QULd7Iv1RxRZkV3vvNW824LEIEKOSih~rRa2kU9rhyUkfWaYNFtsioyqJFVuryPIYF5cNA0EjHxYKuorIMB6fqeMifltMT4wYUrUMwpXOy5vqVXAZbOkDG~3Acc0fiOmvB11fTjPCyoQdVffWE8vayNZsjKcFhJqtrJBocqUXMyAPB7MxsFdymsEp1ii0Isgcv~ewTiQK~Vk6bg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","North Dakota State Legislature","date","2025-02-14T00:00:00Z","article","The House Agriculture Committee took up House Bill 14‑53, a proposal to prohibit “natural asset companies” from operating, conducting business or acquiring certain easements or asset interests in the state. Members described the measure as intended to stop entities from buying up conservation easements en masse and removing agricultural land from production.

Sponsor Representative Anhalt (noted in committee as the presenter) said the bill does not stop landowners from enrolling in conservation programs such as CRP; rather, it would bar companies that aggregate easements and monetize ecosystem services from buying them as a clump. “So they’re they’re definitions that are coming straight off of the USDA's website… these would be the only changes,” the sponsor said, describing the effort to use USDA language from climate hubs.

Committee members and outside participants raised multiple concerns about the bill’s breadth. Representative Schreiberbecht and others asked whether carbon credits, wetland mitigation banks, ethanol‑industry arrangements and other market mechanisms might be inadvertently captured by the draft definition. Lance Gaby of the North Dakota Farmers Union said credits and the sale of low‑carbon attributes — for example, higher‑scoring ethanol produced at some plants — could create transactions that the bill might affect.

Dutch Bielke, general counsel to the Agriculture Commissioner, told the committee the current definitions are “very broad” and could have secondary effects that preclude activities the state might view as advantageous. He noted that phrases such as “extractive resources” and broad language about natural assets could unintentionally touch timber, water, minerals or other resources if not tightened.

Members cited existing restrictions that already limit nongovernmental acquisitions that remove land from production — including state anti‑corporate farming statutes and the prudent investor rule for certain institutional investors — but many said the draft still needed work to avoid unintended consequences. Representative Ulmer, Representative Volmer and others emphasized protecting agriculture while avoiding overbroad prohibitions.

The committee agreed to pause formal action and asked staff, Legislative Council and the Attorney General’s office to help rewrite and narrow definitions — particularly for “natural asset,” “natural asset company,” “extractive resources,” and carveouts for existing conservation programs and mitigation banks. No final vote was taken; sponsors withdrew pending motions and will return with revised language.

Committee members said they wanted to ensure the state both protects private agricultural use and avoids unintended impacts on existing conservation and carbon‑credit markets.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","House Agriculture Friday, Feb 14, 2025 8:23 AM - 9:46 AM","oneSentenceSummary","The House Agriculture Committee paused consideration of House Bill 14‑53, a proposal to prohibit ‘natural asset companies’ from buying up easements and monetizing ecosystem services, after members and agency counsel warned the draft definitions are too broad.","taxTitle","Agriculture, House of Representatives, Legislative, North Dakota","taxId",28885,"location","North Dakota","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6329653,"Sponsor to broaden drone bill’s surveillance language after committee feedback",314,1752000,2066000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2315863-9ccf34df2a88000f9b09fab864519f31&start=1752&end=2066","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2315863-9ccf34df2a88000f9b09fab864519f31/thumbnail_1752000.jpg","/articles/6329653/North-Dakota/Sponsor-to-broaden-drone-bills-surveillance-language-after-committee-feedback","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6329653-208e34857f3fc7e3eaad1556a43931ea/orig.mp4?Expires=1771178464&Signature=WUxArJ-rVagdt3ErlMHWKnwjHlgGuxph7EAgFNSX8nKdLihKkLyelv2iunPRls8aMkUd2qfhg2rz7MmBnUgZRknFt9pSE8Z9RKQ9Y30WbvOy9-lgyPXn6UiTgHftyP0Kp1VVam8e5imhp4B9g~wlqoNmtavdA4XSO8VkELXM5HHMLFvA6ANi3qP-755~dIamzb1wRvsq11h0GpWVjbDWk503MjvbT1lb1DoO0hq~a6EJi~1CPSZ9qOlVwUe2grG1zNMEwUXmRzgisVfQPmtvgHBo8NdTHcIk5lea07qGlyJyMZUE-Vg5Gkze8DJbqxiAJI154dTM9I80sLtPW6eJGQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The committee discussed House Bill 14‑29, sponsored by Representative Holly, which in its draft text targets surveillance using remote pilot aircraft. Members urged the sponsor to consider broader language that would cover other surveillance tools.

Representative Freiberg argued the concern is about surveillance methodology, not only drones, and suggested the bill should cover “all the tools that are included, not just singling out a drone.” Representative Eric and Representative Anderson gave examples such as aircraft at higher altitudes, ground robots and even telescopes, saying similar privacy and property issues can arise without a drone.

Representative Holly said she would discuss revisions with Legislative Counsel (Victoria) and with Representative Schreiberbecht and others who had raised similar concerns. “I can go visit with Victoria and see where…we can hash out,” Holly said.

No amendments were adopted and no vote was taken; sponsors were directed to return with redrafted language if they choose to broaden the scope from “remote pilot aircraft” to other surveillance technologies.","Representative Holly’s drone bill (HB 14‑29) prompted discussion about whether the measure should target surveillance generally rather than only remote pilot aircraft; the sponsor agreed to work with Legislative Counsel to consider broader language.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6329658,"Committee approves amended labeling and registration rules for ‘beneficial’ agricultural products; bill moves from committee",1037,814000,1851000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2315863-9ccf34df2a88000f9b09fab864519f31&start=814&end=1851","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2315863-9ccf34df2a88000f9b09fab864519f31/thumbnail_814000.jpg","/articles/6329658/North-Dakota/Committee-approves-amended-labeling-and-registration-rules-for-beneficial-agricultural-products-bill-moves-from-committee","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6329658-ccc2c477710dc3711d204d8e38a012cc/orig.mp4?Expires=1771178464&Signature=TvNDLtSinFvQERgDa8uIb5a~F-V~GL-zmrQ4sV7DO2E09ASsBOenl69mfYTN-YjYLS9ZCyaj7HPON-rWiB-oQ2muE7GV0owxkgGC5BZHrF3dFZTd2a3KYIG~sR6SMtz~3JLIK7Vn~BIKW78JTcnNF1prSBX5-oNo8N3gKwSGFaxx6GqS~fLhcOJ4Psarihch06FZBg7no9eeVTNZeVVXrALK6mLy9vk2SxqJHdA8DogswpJveiVsKpgKNM6Gn5YSi~YUUa8RbPXKwFrjFG7IZCNsoeiL45KzN0gJI~poXkzKDsY9w8DnQ-MIVoqiRij34yVXfd2ARgpjv6xdjRORyw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The House Agriculture Committee voted to advance House Bill 15‑51, a bill that creates definitions, labeling requirements and registration rules for so‑called “beneficial substances” such as inoculants and certain compost products.

Chairman Belts walked members through the amendments prepared with Legislative Council and reviewed definitions in the draft, including how the bill defines “labeling,” “person,” and “soil inoculum.” Representative Ulmer, a cosponsor, said the Agriculture Department had reviewed the amendments and was comfortable with the current draft. “Yep. I am. Yeah. It went through the ag department, totally reviewed it, worked with legislative council on the amendments,” Ulmer said.

The draft narrows repeated language by defining “beneficial substance” once and then using that definition throughout the code. It excludes existing regulated categories such as fertilizer and pesticides, and explicitly discusses inoculants used for crops such as soybeans.

The amended bill imposes a $50 product registration fee and a distributor license every two years for $100; it also permits product registration by the first registrant so that subsequent distributors need not re‑register the same product. Committee members questioned whether packaged farm products such as manure sold in retail stores would fall under the registration requirement; the committee located the exemption language on page 6 and confirmed that manure appears as an exemption in the draft.

Representative Ulmer moved that the committee give HB 15‑51 a do‑pass recommendation as amended. After further discussion the committee conducted a roll‑call vote; the clerk recorded the outcome and the motion passed. The bill has no fiscal note listed in committee discussion.

Supporters framed the bill as consumer protection for producers and sellers, describing prior market instances where unverified product claims harmed crop yields. Opponents warned about adding regulation to natural‑product markets; some members compared the measure to increased oversight of supplements. The committee approved the amendment package and the do‑pass motion as amended.","Members passed amendments and voted to give House Bill 15‑51 a do‑pass recommendation as amended. The bill establishes definitions, labeling requirements, registration and inspection fees, and exemptions for certain materials including manure.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6329661,"House committee withdraws motion to convert harmful atmospheric activity bill into study; sponsors to draft study language",469,447000,916000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2315863-9ccf34df2a88000f9b09fab864519f31&start=447&end=916","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2315863-9ccf34df2a88000f9b09fab864519f31/thumbnail_447000.jpg","/articles/6329661/North-Dakota/House-committee-withdraws-motion-to-convert-harmful-atmospheric-activity-bill-into-study-sponsors-to-draft-study-language","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6329661-5ace3b9e23ce7db8a4874b2d2b480bb8/orig.mp4?Expires=1771178464&Signature=IvpXsMSSTRbApdbLhW95ZbzQdzhBQ37S9IZ8o1cJmAGCVF8aK~j-HcGYSr~5Ofkiz~F29pTf95jCBSWKIQf4MgVh34DG--H5uUsubpja6CTQzsRl7CHWCw~LLu8ZwyXdlTs0BQCvJ71OvCSXx3Ogtz0brfqDkMuIx1ArWw7xYhN4VglxXLrPuR8Bh-wpiGM9Dkzg-XlvOgHHQw25cW91Zqhmm3wmyLMlZWj~NuMuDbN9QuZaeRxhEDxMnShmzNUVv6Gy7PTiY2q4a0PR6ubEVIflG3m9ame~6d89YpBogrwDciGNpdGH4~v2WvmK0~Q2YWo1bo5i8-4-9UoORYR7dQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The House Agriculture Committee debated House Bill 15‑14, a measure described as addressing “harmful atmospheric activity,” and agreed to draft a narrower study of high‑altitude atmospheric activity instead of advancing the bill in its present form.

Chairman Belts opened the item and sponsor Representative Holly said she had considered adding a grandfather clause for counties that already adopted related measures. “I was wondering if we could put in, like, a grandfather clause or something for the counties that have voted to put this in,” Representative Holly said.

Members raised a distinction between cloud seeding and higher‑altitude activities that may fall under Federal Aviation Administration authority. Representative Twight moved to convert the bill into a study on atmospheric activity at altitude; that motion was seconded and debated, but ultimately withdrawn. Representative Volmer said he supported sending the matter to study and pressed on which agency would perform it; the committee discussed possible roles for the Attorney General’s office, the combined Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources, and the Department of Environmental Quality.

Representative Jordan and others suggested targeted technical testing — for example, sampling precipitation rather than only sampling air — as a useful part of a study. Representative Hoke and Representative Twight agreed to work with Legislative Council to draft study language; the committee asked that proposed language be ready for consideration at the next scheduled meeting.

Because members cited federal jurisdiction at higher altitudes, the committee agreed to narrow study scope before filing any motion. The motion to convert HB 15‑14 to a study was formally withdrawn and no formal vote on the bill occurred.

The committee directed sponsors to return with proposed study language drafted with Legislative Council and agency input at the next meeting.","Lawmakers debated House Bill 15‑14, a measure on atmospheric activity including cloud seeding and higher‑altitude operations. Members agreed to draft narrower study language with Legislative Council and withdrew a motion to convert the bill into a study on the floor.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Committee pauses natural‑asset company bill after agency and industry concerns; sponsor, AG counsel to refine definitions

Sponsor to broaden drone bill’s surveillance language after committee feedback

Committee approves amended labeling and registration rules for ‘beneficial’ agricultural products; bill moves from committee

House committee withdraws motion to convert harmful atmospheric activity bill into study; sponsors to draft study language