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Fact Brief

Is the EPA proposing to let states eliminate public notice and comment for some air pollution permits, including those for data centers and power plants?

Is the EPA proposing to let states eliminate public notice and comment for some air pollution permits, including those for data centers and power plants?

Yes. The EPA is proposing to remove public participation as a federal minimum requirement for state and local minor New Source Review programs. Those programs govern permits for new minor stationary pollution sources and minor modifications to existing sources. Current federal rules generally require agencies to make permit information publicly

Are U.S. soybeans being exported to China in record numbers?

Are U.S. soybeans being exported to China in record numbers?

U.S. soybean exports to China fell from 26.8 million metric tons in 2024 to 7.2 million in 2025, a 73% decline.

Do all three ACA marketplace insurers in North Dakota cover gender-affirming care?

Do all three ACA marketplace insurers in North Dakota cover gender-affirming care?

Yes. All three insurers offering individual Affordable Care Act plans in North Dakota in 2026 provide coverage for at least some gender-affirming care. Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Dakota’s marketplace policy covers gender-affirmation services and requires precertification for surgery. Sanford Health Plan covers medically necessary treatment

Did Interior Secretary Doug Burgum support a $1.2 billion deal for RWE to give up its U.S. offshore wind leases?

Did Interior Secretary Doug Burgum support a $1.2 billion deal for RWE to give up its U.S. offshore wind leases?

Yes. Interior Secretary Doug Burgum publicly supported the agreement between the Interior Department and RWE U.S. Offshore. RWE announced Aug. 6 that Interior agreed to provide $1.22 billion in settlement funds to resolve the company’s claims against the federal government. In return, RWE will relinquish offshore wind

Can solar projects improve biodiversity?

Can solar projects improve biodiversity?

Yes. Solar projects do not inherently reduce biodiversity, and when designed with best practices, they can sustain or even increase local wildlife and plant diversity. Impacts depend on where and how projects are built. Siting solar on already developed land and minimizing soil disturbance can maintain habitats and support more

Is the Bank of North Dakota a state-owned bank?

Is the Bank of North Dakota a state-owned bank?

Yes. The Bank of North Dakota is owned by the state of North Dakota. The Legislature established it in 1919, and the state Industrial Commission oversees its operation. The commission consists of the governor, attorney general and agriculture commissioner. State law requires North Dakota government funds to be deposited in

Do solar plants require backup from fossil fuels?

Do solar plants require backup from fossil fuels?

No. Solar plants require backup, but it doesn’t have to be from fossil fuels. A combination of renewables, energy storage, and long-distance transmission can reliably power the majority of the U.S. without relying on coal, oil, or natural gas, as one 2017 research paper describes. Renewables like