The North Dakota Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee convened on March 20, 2025, to discuss several legislative matters, including House Bill 1174 and House Bill 1058, both focused on environmental regulations and risk management.

During the meeting, the committee addressed House Bill 1174, which involves a waiver process for young participants in certain programs. Senator Beard raised questions about the necessity of a release form for participants, to which Chairman Patton confirmed that risk management would determine the appropriate measures. The committee ultimately voted unanimously in favor of the bill, with five ayes and no nays, indicating strong support for the initiative.

The discussion then shifted to House Bill 1058, which pertains to regulations on above-ground storage tanks. Senator Beard proposed an amendment that would allow the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) to set flexible deadlines for registration payments, rather than adhering to a fixed date. This amendment, supported by the DEQ, aims to provide the department with greater discretion in managing compliance timelines. The committee approved the amendment with a unanimous vote, followed by a motion to pass the amended bill, which also received unanimous support.

The meeting concluded with the committee acknowledging the progress made on these bills, with further discussions anticipated in future sessions. The swift passage of both bills reflects a proactive approach to environmental management and youth participation in state programs.