WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp today issued the following statement following her meeting with Scott Pruitt, the nominee to lead the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

“Scott Pruitt and I had a solid discussion about how we can best support a true all-of-the-above energy strategy. That means supporting fossil fuels, as well as renewable energies and biofuels – and we can do that while reducing emissions to make sure we have clean air and water,” said Heitkamp. “I also reinforced the need to implement a strong Renewable Fuel Standard as Congress intended which is critical for farmers and energy producers across rural America. We also talked about how to best promote realistic and sensible regulations on the oil and gas industry, and address the harmful impact of overbroad and unrealistic rules like the Clean Power Plan and Waters of the United States which don’t take into account unique challenges in our state. As I meet one-on-one with potential cabinet members like Mr. Pruitt and consider their nominations, I’ll keep pressing to make sure that the energy and regulatory needs that matter to North Dakotans are priorities in the new administration.”

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