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The latest on the Key Bridge collapse, New York puts forth legislation to get clean energy projects on the grid and Wisconsin and other states join a federal summer food program to help feed kids across the country.

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Republicans float conspiracy theories on the collapse of Baltimore's Key Bridge, South Carolina's congressional elections will use a map ruled unconstitutional, and the Senate schedules an impeachment trial for Homeland Secretary Mayorkas.

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Historic wildfires could create housing and health issues for rural Texans, a Kentucky program helps prison parolees start a new life, and descendants of Nicodemus, Kansas celebrate the Black settlers who journeyed across the 1870s plains seeking self-governance.

Federal Plan Would Give SD Money for Preserving At-Risk Wildlife

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Friday, June 17, 2022   

This week, the U.S. House approved what's been called the most significant investment in wildlife conservation in a generation, and supporters say if the Senate follows suit, South Dakota would get big help in protecting certain species.

The Recovering America's Wildlife Act sets aside nearly $1.4 billion dollars annually for preservation efforts. Tribal governments would also receive funding.

Collin O'Mara, president of the National Wildlife Federation, said one-third of all species are at heightened risk of extinction, and saving them helps humans, too.

"The food that we eat is healthier when we have healthy populations of pollinators," O'Mara pointed out. "Places with healthy wetland systems are more flood resilient."

At its core, the bill is geared to prevent vulnerable species from landing on the endangered species list. Supporters say South Dakota's annual share of $16 million would help more than 100 species around the state. The bill has bipartisan support in the Senate, but along the way, there have been some divisions over how to pay for it.

Chris Hesla, executive director of the South Dakota Wildlife Federation, said some area species on the decline include the swift fox and the greater prairie chicken. He added the state could really use the extra resources.

"In South Dakota, the only money that Game, Fish and Parks gets is from license sales of hunting, and then that money is put back into habitat, primarily for game animals," Hesla noted.

In the Senate, there are 16 GOP co-sponsors of the bill. Sen. Mike Rounds, R-S.D., and Sen. John Thune, R-S.D., are not among them, and it is unclear if they would be "yes" votes. The state's lone congressman, Dusty Johnson, R-S.D., voted against the plan. The White House has signaled support for the proposal.

Disclosure: The National Wildlife Federation contributes to our fund for reporting on Climate Change/Air Quality, Endangered Species and Wildlife, Energy Policy, Environment, Public Lands/Wilderness, Salmon Recovery, and Water. If you would like to help support news in the public interest, click here.


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