Dalrymple renews pitch for ND energy office

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) - Gov. Jack Dalrymple is renewing his pitch

for a North Dakota energy office within the state's Department of

Commerce.

In his State of the State speech to the Legislature on Tuesday,

Dalrymple said the move is needed because energy is "such a large

part" of North Dakota's economic future.

He says the proposed office would support all energy

development, along with opportunities for North Dakota businesses

to supply the energy industry.

Dalrymple's proposed budget includes $600,000 over two years for

the new division. Some lawmakers have been skeptical of the

proposal because of its price tag and its request for two new

employees for the Commerce Department.

Dalrymple says the "payback to the citizens of North Dakota

would be tremendous" if the office is established.

(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

Tags: north dakota, jack dalrymple, energy