By Christopher Bjorke

North Dakota’s energy and agriculture booms have sheltered it from the economic troubles beyond its borders, but local business leaders Wednesday discussed what they see as outside threats in a forum with U.S. Rep. Rick Berg, R-N.D.

“We need regulations, and we can’t not have regulations, but it’s got to be common sense,” said Berg, addressing a group of about two dozen.

Those who attended the meeting gave their views of a climate in Washington that prevents compromise on issues such as the budget. They also singled out federal policies that affect their industries, such as the impact of financial regulations on banks, mortgage requirements on builders, environmental regulations on utilities and military cuts on aeronautics.

Berg is running for the seat of Sen. Kent Conrad, D-N.D., who is retiring, along with Republican Duane Sand and Democrats Heidi Heitkamp and Tom Potter.

DC regulations

“The EPA has gone way too far and common sense has gone out the window,” said Nodak Electric Cooperative CEO Mylo Einarson, referring to the Environmental Protections Agency’s proposed rules on air quality that could raise the costs of coal power.

Bankers with small, regional institutions said they did not contribute to the financial crisis but were subject to new regulations tailored for big national banks.

“We’re feeling the trickle-down effect from the big banks,” said Brian Johnson, CEO of Choice Financial in Grand Forks.

Berg singled out the Dodd-Frank Act meant to overhaul financial rules as an example of new regulation he would like to eliminate. He also blamed the Democrat-controlled Senate for preventing passage of bills from the Republican-controlled House of Representatives meant to roll back regulations.

Berg also said he favors reducing regulation to encourage hiring rather than government spending on job creation to improve employment.

“That clashes against the small business mentality,” he said, referring to President Barack Obama’s jobs program.

ND economy

While the business people worried about effects of policies on North Dakota, some also brought up the economy of North Dakota’s west.

Paul Nistler of Choice Financial said he worried long-time residents of the oil patch were leaving and taking their wealth with them. “They feel like they’re not in the Mayberry they thought they were.”

Architect and state Sen. Lonnie Laffen, R-Grand Forks, predicted that oil revenue could underwrite lower taxes in the state.

“I don’t think people understand how good it’s going to get in North Dakota,” he said. “It’s my opinion North Dakota is going to become tax free.”

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