The 2023 Legislative Assembly directed Bank of North Dakota, the sole state-owned bank in the United States to lead a comprehensive ESG study. North Dakota’s common-sense approach to sustainability reflects a blend of political ideology, economic targets, conservation priorities and concerns about regulatory overreach. Throughout this initiative, there was a clear understanding that North Dakota was not stepping back from its commitment to energy and agriculture. Instead, it is charting a course by outlining a blueprint that demonstrates how transformation and innovation can thrive in a world focused on carbon management.