Native landowners challenge MHA oil tax agreement

A group of Native American landowners is seeking changes to a 2019 oil and gas tax-sharing agreement between the Mandan, Hidatsa and Arikara Nation and North Dakota. Senate Bill 2304, introduced Jan. 28, would pause disbursement of oil tax revenues until the agreement is modified to account for private landowners. Tribal leaders oppose the measure, citing sovereignty concerns. The oil industry also warns it could disrupt tax agreements. The committee has yet to take action.