Basin Electric hosts fall meeting of the National Rural Electric Environmental Association

The National Rural Electric Environmental Association (NREEA) fall meeting held at Basin Electric Headquarters in Bismarck, North Dakota, brought together environmental and regulatory professionals from rural electric cooperatives to discuss new projects, compliance updates, and emerging industry challenges. 

“NREEA meetings allow environmental teams across various cooperatives the opportunity to discuss and share information about environmental issues that affect G&Ts while networking and building relationships,” Erin Dukart, Basin Electric director of Environmental Services, said. 

The first day featured presentations from Basin Electric and Arizona G&T cooperatives on new generation and transmission initiatives, followed by legislative and regulatory updates from National Rural Electric Cooperative Association staff covering air, water, and waste issues. Attendees also participated in roundtable discussions and heard technical sessions on topics such as CO₂ sequestration at Dakota Gas, public lands and species management, and recent changes to National Environmental Policy Act and Rural Utilities Services environmental review processes. 

The second day focused on coal combustion residuals (CCR) management, including both legacy issues and North Dakota’s new CCR permit program, along with an overview of regional energy and water development efforts. Members also previewed NREEA’s new website, shared insights during a general roundtable, and concluded with a business meeting that addressed officer elections, financial updates, and planning for the next gathering. 

Overall, the meeting centered on regulatory engagement, environmental stewardship, and collaboration across the cooperative network.