Appropriators hear case for $60 million boost to Oil and Gas Research Fund to accelerate enhanced oil recovery research

The Appropriations - Education and Environment Division reviewed a request to increase funding for the Oil and Gas Research Fund and heard results of a recent study on carbon dioxide enhanced oil recovery during a committee meeting. Senator Dale Patton, who opened the session, said the division would consider “a substantial request for funding for the Oil and Gas Research Fund.”

The request endorsed by industry leaders would provide $60,000,000 to the Oil and Gas Research Council, with a 1:1 match expected so the appropriation leverages at least an equal amount in outside funds, proponents said. Ron Ness, president of the North Dakota Petroleum Council, described the proposal as a “$60,000,000 investment by the North Dakota legislature” intended to fund multiple pilot and demonstration projects over roughly four years and to make project results public through the research council.

The Energy & Environmental Research Center (EERC) presented a technical and economic overview of carbon dioxide enhanced oil recovery…