1. The state energy research center at the university of North Dakota energy and environmental research center is created to conduct exploratory, transformational, and innovative research that advances future energy opportunities and benefits the state's economy and environment through: a. Exploratory research of technologies and methodologies that facilitate the prudent development, and clean and efficient use, of the state's energy resources; b. Greater access to energy experts for timely scientific and engineering studies to support the state's interests; and c. Education and outreach related to the state's energy resources.

2. The state energy research center shall report all research activities and accomplishments annually to the interim legislative energy development and transmission committee and the industrial commission. Upon request, the state energy research center shall report all research activities and accomplishments to the appropriations committees of the legislative assembly.

3. To carry out the purposes of this section, the energy and environmental research center may: a. Select the research topics and projects to be pursued; b. Enter contracts or agreements with other North Dakota institutions of higher education to support select research topics and projects; c. Enter contracts or agreements with federal, private, and nonprofit organizations to carry out selected research topics and projects; and d. Accept donations, grants, contributions, and gifts from any source to carry out the selected research topics and projects.

4. If approved by the industrial commission and conducted in consultation with the high-level radioactive waste advisory council, the state energy research center may conduct research or pursue projects that will result in the exploration, storage, treatment, or disposal of high-level radioactive waste aboveground in North Dakota.