North Dakota Lawmakers Seek to Smooth Tensions Between Developers and Landowners

Debate continues on balancing private property rights and economic development for infrastructure projects

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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North Dakota lawmakers are looking for ways to reduce the friction between landowners and developers of infrastructure projects, such as pipelines and power lines. Discussions focus on the need for more proactive communication between companies and local communities, as well as finding the right balance between state and local control over development regulations.

Why it matters

This issue highlights the ongoing tensions in North Dakota between private property rights, economic development, and community impact. Lawmakers are trying to find solutions that allow critical infrastructure projects to move forward while also addressing landowner concerns and preserving local control over development decisions.

The details

Lawmakers heard from various stakeholders, including the North Dakota Farmers Union, developers like Otter Tail Power and Basin Electric Power Cooperative, and local officials. The key points were the need for more transparent and proactive communication between companies and landowners, as well as the debate over state vs. local control of development regulations. Some developers highlighted their efforts to work closely with landowners and make route changes to accommodate their concerns, while others faced more resistance from the community.

  • The interim Energy Development and Transmission Committee met on February 26, 2026 to discuss these issues.
  • The Abercrombie Solar Project in Richland County is scheduled to begin construction in May 2026 after receiving regulatory approval last fall.
  • House Bill 1258, passed in the 2025 legislative session, gave the Public Service Commission more authority over transmission line approvals, reducing local control.

The players

Matt Perdue

President of the North Dakota Farmer's Union.

Rep. Mike Brandenburg

Republican state representative from the Edgeley district, which includes the proposed JETx power line project that has faced public backlash.

Michael Berg

A fourth-generation farmer in Oliver and Mercer counties who previously worked in the energy industry.

Brant Johnson

Senior vice president of development for Grid United, the company developing the North Plains Connector transmission line.

Danette Welsh

Director of government relations for Oneok, a company that has constructed and operates around 6,000 miles of pipeline in North Dakota.

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What they’re saying

“We all want to see our rural communities survive. We want to see them thrive. I think that puts the responsibility on all of us to ensure that we're doing everything we can to build healthy conversations so people can make well-informed decisions about these projects.”

— Matt Perdue, President, North Dakota Farmer's Union (New Rockford Transcript)

“Our future is dependent upon these transmission lines which support our energy sector. Without progress in this state, how are we going to keep our young people here?”

— Rep. Mike Brandenburg, State Representative (New Rockford Transcript)

“Most farmers and ranchers, I would say, are in the business of farming and ranching and not developing industry on their farmland. However, I'm witnessing that these developments and these projects are not always following that transparency model.”

— Michael Berg, Fourth-generation farmer (New Rockford Transcript)

“It's kind of expensive to do it this way, but worth it to demonstrate the kind of flexibility that you need in order to develop a route with support in the communities.”

— Brant Johnson, Senior Vice President of Development, Grid United (New Rockford Transcript)

“Relationships are built on what you do, not what you say. Let's not think that everything is rosy and peachy.”

— Josh Dukart, Rancher, Oliver County (New Rockford Transcript)

What’s next

The state Public Service Commission is expected to make a decision on the permit for the proposed JETx power line project in the coming months.

The takeaway

This debate highlights the ongoing challenge of balancing private property rights, economic development, and community impact in North Dakota. Lawmakers are seeking solutions that promote transparent communication, flexible project planning, and the right balance of state and local control over infrastructure projects.