North Dakota runs on affordable, reliable energy. From farms and ranches to oilfields and small towns, that foundation is built on lignite coal. It not only keeps the lights on, it fuels local economies, creates good-paying jobs and funds essential services like schools and roads.

Coal country is proving its strength. In Oliver County, where Minnkota Power and BNI Energy provide nearly half the jobs, average wages are the highest in the state — nearly $99,000 a year. Mercer County has more than 1,400 people working in lignite-related jobs, and McLean County adds another 700.

Every megawatt of lignite power produced contributes about $51,000 in taxes. Those revenues directly fund county and local government budgets, providing a major boost for schools, infrastructure and community service

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