Fracking will enable North Dakota to overtake California as a major oil producer

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Even in these difficult economic times, North Dakota has low unemployment and above average GDP per capita. One of the biggest reasons for this is the oil boom occurring in the state. In 2006, North Dakota ranked ninth among the states in oil production, but by 2010 it had shot up to fourth. By the second half of next year it might pass California and become the third largest oil producer.  With the economy sputtering, we should look to North Dakota’s example to understand why they have weathered these economic storms so well. Read more from the Institute for Energy Research >>

Feds want utility project costs to be shared

A vote last week by federal energy regulators clears a path for utility customers throughout the Midwest to pick up the $5 billion cost for 17 major power line projects across the region. That means Wisconsin ratepayers won't be paying as much for three new high-voltage power lines that American Transmission Co. has on the drawing board. But they will be asked to pay for 14 other big power lines proposed from North Dakota to Indiana. Read more from the Journal Sentinel >>

Prospects for tribal renewable projects are dimming

Among those paying close attention to the collapse of the Solyndra solar cell manufacturer, once a poster child of renewable-energy development for the Obama administration, were the energy advocates who have long pushed for increased federal investment in tribal programs similar to those that funded the failed firm. Read more from Indian Country >>

North Dakota: The least energy efficient state in America

North Dakota is the worst again, leading a group of states which are heavily invested in coal mining and oil drilling industries. The states that ended up last on this year's Energy Efficiency Scorecard shouldn't come as much of a surprise. Read more from Business Insider >>

ND wind power set for big expansion

North Dakota's wind energy capacity will likely grow by more than a third in 2012, energy capacity will likely grow by more than a third in 2012, driven by renewable energy standards and the uncertain future of a federal incentive. Read more from The Bismarck Tribune >>