The bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act is making historic investments to upgrade our power infrastructure.

Grand Forks Herald, Channing Schmidt

To the editor,

I am writing to express my gratitude to U.S. Sen. Kevin Cramer for his vital contributions in securing much-needed infrastructure funding through Congress.

The bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act is making historic investments to upgrade our power infrastructure by making our grid more resilient and building thousands of miles of new transmission lines to deliver clean, affordable electricity. To date, over $200 million has been allocated to North Dakota for clean energy, energy efficiency and power. These types of projects go hand in hand with permitting reform, where Cramer has also been a leading voice.

Permitting reform has the potential to expedite energy projects, simplify infrastructure investments, and catalyze growth across industries in North Dakota. Permitting reform equips energy pioneers with the essential tools to attract investments efficiently, whether they are involved in wind, solar, oil, gas or any other energy domain. And it helps to create jobs that we need for soon-to-be college graduates. I’m grateful for that.

Channing Schmidt
Grand Forks