Energy uncertainty impacts local services
By Daniel Arens
When it comes to the future of energy in the United States, the only sure thing is uncertainty.
Specific regulatory constraints on energy development, specifically on fossil fuels like coal plants or mines, may strengthen or loosen depending on the administration. But, with a long-term vision, and with competition from other energy sources, the position of coal in the nation may not remain what it has been.
This has a major impact on Mercer County and surrounding areas of North Dakota, as those industries employ a large portion of the residents of the county and its communities. But jobs aren’t the only thing that depend heavily on the success of the energy sector.
Coal severance and conversion taxes make up a large chunk of the revenue received by local governments, and unless alternative funding sources are found, there may be significant changes to those services if the coal taxes dwindle.
