Fort Berthold spill study bill fails, but lawmaker vows action

A bill proposing a legislative study of oil and chemical spill risks on highways within the Fort Berthold Reservation failed to pass the North Dakota House, but Rep. Lisa Finley-DeVille, D-Mandaree, says she remains dedicated to raising awareness. House Bill 1611 aimed to assess environmental and health risks through collaboration with tribal and state agencies. Despite its 62-24 defeat, Finley-DeVille emphasized the need for site-specific data to guide future policy.