Washington, D.C. – On Friday, Sept. 6 and Saturday, Sept. 7, Senator Ron Wyden, D-Ore., chairman of the U.S. Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources will tour Western North Dakota at the invitation of Senator John Hoeven, R-N.D, a member of the committee. The senators will meet with community leaders and energy employees to review energy development and community infrastructure needs in the region.

“The Bakken is right at the heart of a historic energy boom, which is rewriting the playbook for American energy,” Wyden said. “As Chairman of the Energy Committee, I want to see for myself whether federal policies are keeping up with the pace of development there, and how to make sure that the U.S. is protecting the environment while maximizing the economic advantages of shale oil and gas. Sen. Hoeven graciously offered to show me around his home state and I’m excited to take him up on his invitation.”

Friday, September 6

Wyden and Hoeven will hold a media availability in Bismarck to provide an overview and answer questions regarding their two-day tour of the Bakken Region.

9:30 a.m. CT       Media Availability

National Energy Center of Excellence

Room 211

Bismarck State College

1500 Edwards Avenue

Bismarck

The senators will visit Blue Flint Ethanol biorefinery, developed by Great River Energy and Headwaters Inc., which now produces 65 million gallons per year of ethanol. Located adjacent to Great River Energy’s Coal Creek Station power plant, the facility is the first co-located, directly integrated biorefinery in the world. Its combined heat and power design and location help make it one of the most cost-effective, energy-efficient and environmentally friendly plants in the country.

11:00 a.m. CT         Coal Creek and Blue Flint Ethanol Tour

2875 Third Street Southwest

Underwood

Media planning to tour Coal Creek on Friday, Sept. 6 must RSVP to kami_capener@hoeven.senate.gov by noon CT, Thursday, Sept. 5. Long pants and closed-toed shoes required.

12:15 p.m. CT         Reclaimed Hill

Group will depart from Coal Creek Station and Blue Flint Ethanol

Wyden and Hoeven will view a presentation by geologist Kathy Neset of Neset Consulting Services followed by a tour of a Whiting oil rig to review operations. Media are invited to both the briefing and the tour.

1:45 – 2:15 CT       Whiting Oil Conference Room

701 4^th Avenue NW

Watford City

2:45 p.m. CT            Whiting Oil Rig and Hydraulic Fracturing Site Tour

South and West of Watford City

Following the oil rig tour, the senators will tour ONEOK Gas plant. MEDIA NOTE: ONEOK’s safety policy requires guests to leave cameras and any other electronic media, including cell phones, inside the control building before embarking.

4:30 p.m. CT           ONEOK Gas Plant Tour

3007 121st Avenue, NW

Watford City

Friday evening, the senators will hold a roundtable discussion with industry and tribal leaders.

7:00 p.m. CT          Roundtable Discussion with Bakken Community,Tribal and Industry Leaders

Outlaws Bar & Grill

Lower Level

120 South Main Street

Watford City

Saturday, September 7

Saturday morning, the senators will tour a crew camp. Media invited onsite.

8:15 a.m. CT          Target Logistics Man-Camp Tour

2509 14th Street NW

Watford City

The senators will review area infrastructure. Media may follow in their own vehicles as the senators review ongoing projects, including roads, schools, city and county buildings, community recreation facilities, medical clinics and hospitals, housing and other developing infrastructure. The tour will begin at the Long X Trading Post Visitor Center, 100 2^nd Avenue SW, Watford City.

9:45 a.m. CT         Watford City Ground Driving Tour

Long X Trading Post Visitor Center

100 2^nd Avenue SW

Watford City