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Comment by majke | Hacker News Reader

So... does it mean that nobody reads the law? Is it good or bad? What is the takeaway?

> does it mean that nobody reads the law?

It means every lawmaker isn’t a geologist. That’s fine. It also means there clearly wasn’t enough public input from geologists that someone would have noticed a name they’d never seen in a group they were familiar with.

At least not geologists who don't also work for coal companies.

I’ll go out on a limb and guess that none of the industry groups found this funny. They want to replicate this law in other states. The lawyers who worked on it, on the other hand, only work in North Dakota. And calling a spade a spade, I guess if I needed something in front of that legislature I’d at least know they’re competent and crafty.

That often happens. Some bills are released to lawmakers without enough time to read them.

Wouldn't the obvious answer to be vote against? If you do not know the terms of the deal, maintaining the status quo seems superior.

My understanding: You are one legislator among many; you have almost no power on your own. To deliver results for your constituents or to accomplish anything depends especially on party leadership and on other members of your party prioritizing your wishes over many other things. If you don't follow leadership, if you aren't on the team, they won't do anything for you.

I think the answer to those questions are pretty self-evident.

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