North Dakota law
Environmental Laws in North Dakota.
North Dakota environmental law combines federal programs (RCRA, CERCLA, CWA, CAA) with state implementation through the North Dakota Department of Environmental Quality (NDDEQ). North Dakota's environmental practice is dominated by oil-and-gas regulation under the North Dakota Industrial Commission's Oil and Gas Division — given the Bakken Shale's massive production. The North Dakota Water Quality Act, Air Pollution Control Act, and Hazardous Waste Management Act implement delegated federal programs. North Dakota's agriculture-industrial complex produces significant nutrient-runoff, CAFO, and pesticide-related matters.
Last verified: 2026-04-17
State law
Key North Dakota Statutes
Authorizes NDDEQ to administer NPDES permitting and state water-quality programs under delegated CWA authority.
Authorizes NDDEQ to administer air-quality programs under delegated CAA authority.
Regulates hazardous waste under delegated RCRA authority.
Regulates oil and gas production through the North Dakota Industrial Commission's Oil and Gas Division. Comprehensive permitting, spacing, and production rules given the Bakken Shale's massive development.
Protects surface-estate owners whose land is disturbed by oil-and-gas operations. Requires surface-use agreements, compensation, and reclamation by oil-and-gas operators.
State law
Official Sources
Not Legal Advice
This page summarizes publicly available statutes and rules for informational purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice, and no attorney-client relationship is created by viewing this content. Laws change — always verify with the primary source or consult a licensed attorney in North Dakota.
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