Governor Kelly Armstrong of North Dakota met with U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Lee Zeldin today to discuss critical issues affecting the state’s energy and agriculture sectors. The meeting focused on collaborating with the federal government and industry partners to protect North Dakota’s natural resources while fostering responsible energy development and economic growth.
Armstrong and Zeldin addressed several key topics, including the importance of state-federal partnerships to advance the Trump administration’s deregulation agenda, particularly around energy production. The governor also raised concerns over the Biden administration’s power plant regulations, calling for the repeal of what he described as an onerous and overreaching rule on power plants. Another significant point of discussion was ensuring that agricultural producers in North Dakota have continued access to vital crop protection tools.
Armstrong highlighted the recent passage of a pesticide labeling bill supported by major North Dakota farm commodity groups. The bill, signed into law by Armstrong, guarantees that North Dakota farmers can continue to access essential tools for crop protection, a move welcomed by the state’s agricultural community.
“When it comes to protecting North Dakota’s ability to produce food and energy to feed and fuel the world, we could not have a better friend in the EPA than Lee Zeldin,” said Armstrong. “We look forward to continuing this partnership to roll back regulations, support our farmers and ranchers, and unleash U.S. energy production with environmental stewardship.”
Armstrong and Zeldin share a history of collaboration, having served together in Congress when Zeldin represented New York’s District 1. Zeldin, who was sworn in as the 17th Administrator of the EPA on January 29, 2025, following his nomination by President Trump and confirmation by the U.S. Senate, emphasized his commitment to working with state leaders like Armstrong to address regulatory challenges and support America’s energy independence.
The meeting signals ongoing efforts to balance environmental protections with energy production and agricultural practices, ensuring the continued growth of North Dakota’s economy.
By: DNU staff