Cramer speaks on PSC at Rotary

Kevin Cramer, public service commissioner, shared with Rotary members on the oversight of the oil/gas production and companies by the PSC. Prior to being appointed and then elected by the citizens of North Dakota, Cramer worked for former Gov. Ed Shafer as the director of tourism for four years and then the director of economic development for four years, then appointed to fill out a term on the PSC and elected to his current position. His responsibility is to help the oil and gas production and their companies stay in compliance with the rules and regulations of their industry.

Cramer said the overall industry is doing a good job of following the guidelines required of them. He feels the Legislature in the ’90s did a “great job” of putting the rules in place for these industries long before the boom hit the western part of the state. All of these oil and gas companies knew about the regulation before they set up business in North Dakota. Cramer said he is encouraged with the latest news on a possible new pipeline coming from North Dakota to Oklahoma and then to the Gulf. He said North Dakota is producing 550,000 barrels per day and most of the oil is being moved by trucks and trains. The need for more pipelines is important. Cramer also said the Industrial Commission has oversight. Both agencies work together and have specific areas to oversee. He also shared on the natural gas production which is an important byproduct of the oil drilling. These companies are investing in capital and equipment more than $7 billion in the state in the next year. Cramer answered questions and thanked Rotary for the invitation to Jamestown.

Doug Frohlich presided over the April 10 meeting, Tom Eckstein gave the table prayer. Nick Schmidt collected numerous “Happy Dollars” for Rotary projects. Gina Dahl helped with the music. Student guests were Myriah Kobernick and Jayle Diemert, juniors at Jamestown High School. The club welcomed back Selmer Spitzer from his winter retreat in Nevada. Carrie Orn gave the latest update on the Wine and BrewHaHa tasting event which takes place April 19 at the Gladstone Inn. Dave Smette is heading to district convention and will report at next week’s meeting. Frohlich asked for volunteers to help with taking down the Christmas lights on Mill Hill.

Today’s program is on the new radio station at Jamestown College. Darrell Losing will give the invocation, Rick Pfeiffer will lead in singing and Casey Stoudt is the sergeant at arms.

Tags: club news, life, rotary