N.D. Cent. Code § 38-14.2-08: Right to conduct studies

The commission has the right to enter upon any property for the purpose of conducting studies or exploratory work to determine the existence of adverse effects of past coal mining and noncoal mining practices and to determine the feasibility of restoration, reclamation, abatement, control, or prevention of such adverse effects. Such entry must be construed as an exercise of the police power for the protection of public health, safety, and general welfare and may not be construed as an act of condemnation of property nor trespass thereon.