Congresswoman Julie Fedorchek urges North Dakota leadership on energy, AI and fiscal restraint

Congresswoman Julie Fedorchek addressed the North Dakota House of Representatives, urging a federal policy focus on energy production, artificial intelligence infrastructure and fiscal responsibility.

"North Dakota should lead the efforts empowering AI," Congresswoman Julie Fedorchek told legislators, arguing that abundant, reliable energy is essential for large-scale AI computing. She said North Dakota’s natural gas resources in the Bakken could be used to power data centers near production sites to reduce flaring, increase pipeline capacity and create new industry in the state.

Fedorchek framed her priorities as linked to national security and economic growth. She called for expedited permitting, reduced regulatory barriers, investment in carbon capture and critical minerals, and a federal push to return more power to states. "Energy security is national security," she said, and linked energy policy to U.S. competitiveness in artificial intelligence.

The congresswoman warned of federal fiscal challenges and urged renewed attention to spending and accountability in Washington. She also urged Congress to extend provisions of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, saying that without action some provisions will expire and average families could face tax increases. "If Congress does not act this year, these tax cuts will expire by the end of 2025," she said on the House floor.

Fedorchek described leading a House working group focused on AI energy needs and said she supports policies to promote domestic energy production to fuel innovation and exports of energy technology. She thanked North Dakota legislators for their state-level approach to permitting and economic development.

Her remarks were received in the chamber as a guest address; the House moved to print the remarks in the House Journal.