The following is an editorial from Jason Bohrer from the Lignite Energy Council on the future of energy in North Dakota-
I'm going out on a limb and making a bold prediction that 2018 will be the year of the electric vehicle. From General Motors to Nissan to Tesla, automakers are deeply engaged and planning for new models to hit the market next year. As the technology becomes more affordable, families across the Midwest will start thinking outside the box on car purchases. Take the Burke family, for instance. Steve Burke lives in Bismarck and is an employee of North American Coal. Steve relies on his Chevy Volt for his 40-mile drive to work. When he arrives every day, he plugs in his EV for the return trip. Steve's Volt provides an affordable alternative to his second vehicle, a Chevrolet Tahoe, for his commute. It also plays a part in building North Dakota's economy. When Steve plugs in his Chevy Volt for a quick charge, he's utilizing our state's affordable and reliable electricity, which is largely generated by lignite coal. In fact, more than 70 percent of the state's electricity comes from lignite coal, which provides 15,000 good-paying jobs; $100 million annually in tax revenues to the state; and more than $3.5 billion in economic impact.