BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) - The state of North Dakota wants a judge to dismiss a lawsuit that challenges a new law intended to clarify disputed ownership of minerals under a Missouri River reservoir.
State Democratic Rep. Marvin Nelson and others filed the lawsuit in January. They say the law is unconstitutional and a giveaway of state resources under Lake Sakakawea.
Gov. Doug Burgum signed the measure last year limiting state mineral claims under the lake to a smaller area than the state had claimed.
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The Bismarck Tribune reports attorneys for the state argue the case should be dismissed because it does not name all parties with a stake in oil and gas minerals that would be affected by the lawsuit.
A hearing is scheduled on March 27 in East Central District Court in Fargo.
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Information from: Bismarck Tribune, http://www.bismarcktribune.com
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