North Dakota Congressman Kevin Kramer says the incoming Trump administration should combine the Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of Energy. North Dakota Farm Bureau President Daryl Lies says that idea has merit and is worth considering.

He says making federal agencies more effective and cost efficient, while reducing regulations is a worthy goal for the new administration. It also fits well with the President-elect’s philosophy.

Lies says having Congressman Kramer as an energy advisor to the new President is also extremely valuable for agriculture.

Lies says Kramer’s idea of combining the agencies would shrink government at a key budgetary time.