WILLISTON, N.D. (KUMV) – Rep. Matt Rosendale of Montana is not seeking another term in Congress, meaning a newcomer will take his seat come January. Thirteen candidates ran in the primary, and now the general election comes down to Republican Troy Downing and Democrat John Driscoll.
Troy Downing serves as the state auditor and commissioner of securities and insurance. During the North Dakota Petroleum Council Annual Meeting, Downing said he wants to continue fighting against ESG strategies and support the fossil fuels industry.
“We need to continue to develop reliable and affordable energy. Nothing is competing with oil, gas, coal and our traditional fossil fuels that we are developing right now,” said Downing.
Downing referenced Driscoll at the end of the speech, attacking Driscoll’s position on wanting railroad operators to move from traditional energy sources to nuclear and electric power.
“As crazy as suggesting that BNSF get rid of their diesel-powered locomotives and replacing them with nuclear, electric locomotives, I’m not sure what that’s going to look like, but that’s who is on the other side of this,” said Downing.
Driscoll, who is a former state House majority leader and speaker, said he’s a proponent of nuclear energy. He explains repurposing the engines would keep that method of transport relevant as people move toward renewable energy.
“Some people think all of our railroads will be electrified eventually. I’m just anxious to make sure we keep the rail functioning along the northern tier of states,” said Driscoll.
Driscoll said developing small nuclear reactors could help rail companies find new revenue streams as coal and oil transportation moves to other methods.
“I think the railroad is going to be impacted really hard by this change over the response to climate change. I am not one to say climate change is not a huge issue, I think it’s a primary issue,” said Driscoll.
Both candidates say more needs to be done to secure the southern border. Downing says it’s a matter of national security, while Driscoll says both sides need to sit down and discuss improvements instead of using it as a political stunt.
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Publish date : 2024-09-20 09:31:00
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