Senators John Hoeven (R-ND) and Heidi Heitkamp (D-ND) are hosting new Interior Secretary Sally Jewell this week on a tour of western North Dakota.
The group will visit oil and natural gas wells, talk with energy industry representatives and tour Theodore Roosevelt National Park. Hoeven says it’s to help Jewell understand the state’s comprehensive approach to energy development.
"Look -- we need a comprehensive energy plan for this country," said Hoeven. "It should be a 'states-first' approach, where you empower states across this country to produce energy to make our country energy-secure. North Dakota is leading that charge."
Hoeven also says he will try to convince Jewell that Interior should not put up roadblocks to energy development on Bureau of Land Management property.
"We need to streamline the regulatory burden, which is important for energy development and our economy," said Hoeven. "We need to get people back to work and get this economy growing."