NEW TOWN, N.D. (AP) - Over two dozen North Dakota faith leaders have taken a tour of energy-related facilities in the state in an effort to better understand the area's energy boom.
Clergy from multiple denominations recently explored a wind farm, coal mine and the oil patch, among other energy-related facilities.
The Reverend Al Bitz with the University of Mary was part of the tour. He says it's important that faith leaders get the straight facts on the impact of energy development.
Bill Patrie is a member of the Bismarck United Church of Christ. He says congregations in different parts of the state have different attitudes toward energy development.
He says that while many parishioners in western North Dakota work in coal mines and the oil patch, others in the state's eastern side think fossil fuel development should stop.