Public News Service

81% of registered voters across the Midwest oppose the use of eminent domain by companies looking to transport carbon dioxide through underground pipelines, according to a poll commissioned by the Bold Alliance. (Jeffree Beall/Wikimedia Commons)

Poll: Most SD voters disapprove of local control limits on carbon pipelines

A new poll shows most South Dakotans don't approve of legislation that restricts local control on carbon pipelines. South Dakotans this November …

Research shows South Dakota had the fifth-highest rate of cropland abandonment between 1986 and 2018, trailing Texas, North Dakota, Kansas and Montana. (Adobe Stock)

Former croplands could be ‘sweet spot’ for renewable-energy production

Researchers mapped American croplands that have fallen out of production in hopes of inspiring new uses for them, such as renewable energy. Roughly 3…

Seventy U.S. Supreme Court decisions and 17,000 lower court decisions have relied on Chevron, a 1984 case that set precedent and that the Supreme Court overruled in June. (Michele Ursi/Adobe Stock)

U.S. Supreme Court decision could shape animal farm regulations

By Marlena Williams for Sentient.Broadcast version by Kathleen Shannon for Greater Dakota News Service reporting for the Sentient-Public News Service …

Human health risks of exposure to PFAS include growth effects on infants and children, obstacles to a person's ability to become pregnant, effects on the immune system and increased risk of certain cancers, according to the South Dakota Department of Agricultural and Natural Resources. (Adobe Stock)

Report urges 'more stringent' look at health risks of pesticides

A new report warned about adverse health, wildlife and environmental impacts of toxic chemicals known as PFAS in states such as South Dakota…

Two South Dakota ethanol production facilities are considered high-priority emission violators, according to EPA data, including plants in Redfield and Aberdeen. (Adobe Stock)

Report: SD ethanol plants release hazardous air pollutants

Biofuels are painted as a greener energy alternative to fossil fuels but a new study found the industry produces plenty of its own air pollutants…

The U.S. government recognized the Black Hills as part of the Great Sioux Reservation in the 1868 Treaty of Fort Laramie. The Black Hills Forest Reserve was established in 1897 and transferred to the U.S. Forest Service in 1905. (R. Blauert, Wikimedia Commons)

Black Hills Visitor Center under new joint tribal, federal oversight

The Black Hills National Forest is one of the latest federal lands to enter a co-stewardship agreement with local tribal nations-a management model en…

Around 27% of South Dakotans who applied for the Environmental Quality Incentives Program, funded by Inflation Reduction Act dollars in 2023, were accepted. (Marc Braner/Adobe Stock)

House Farm Bill could chop climate-smart programs

The U.S. House of Representatives will likely vote this summer on a version of the Farm Bill, which passed through the committee process last month…

South Dakota loses up to 100,000 acres of grasslands annually, according to the South Dakota Grassland Coalition. Grassland bird species are declining faster than any other group on the continent. (Gregory Johnston/Adobe Stock)

Support grows for threatened SD grasslands

About 1.6 million acres of Great Plains grasslands were destroyed in 2021 alone, according to a recent report, an area the size of Delaware. One …

Two South Dakota drought resiliency projects will supply about 130 homes with high-quality drinking water. (Adobe Stock)

New federal funds earmarked for SD rural water projects

Some rural South Dakotans struggle to get good drinking water but the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation has awarded two local communities with grants to …

The deadline for Congress to pass a new Farm Bill is Sept. 30, 2024, following a year-long extension of the 2018 Farm Bill. (Dusan Kostic/Adobe Stock)

SD lawmaker OK’s House Farm Bill draft, despite climate, food program cuts

After 13 hours of markups late last week, the House Committee on Agriculture passed its version of the massive piece of legislation known as the Farm …

A well-designed riparian buffer can prevent 80% of excess nutrients from entering rivers and streams. (Adobe Stock)

Most SD surface waters fall below state quality standards

There are nearly 150,000 miles of rivers and streams in South Dakota, but new data show many of those don't meet state standards for safe water …

It is estimated the Wild Springs Solar Project in New Underwood, South Dakota, will offset 190,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions per year. (Adobe Stock)

Solar projects underway in South Dakota

The construction of more solar farms in the U.S. has been contentious but a new survey shows their size makes a difference in whether solar projects …

Summit Carbon Solutions had initially hoped to begin construction this year on its carbon dioxide pipeline project for several Midwestern states. However, most of the actions so far have centered around public hearings, legal arguments and regulatory setbacks. (Adobe Stock)

Controversial Midwest pipeline plan still in play

New public hearings and legal decisions are expected in the coming weeks and months about a controversial pipeline project in the upper Midwest…

Biodigester plants have become a popular option in using government incentives to help reduce livestock emissions but skeptics contended they will create more environmental problems by spurring more factory farms. (Adobe Stock)

California emissions credits clash with SD CAFO concerns

New forms of renewable energy are emerging within the agricultural sector but a California initiative, which has connections to states like South …

After nearly facing extinction, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service estimates about 750 black-footed ferrets now live in various locations. (Adobe Stock)

Endangered Species Act turns 50

This Thursday, the Endangered Species Act celebrates its 50th anniversary. Wildlife experts say the policy has been a big help in such states as …

Family farm advocates say not only are they worried about so-called factory farms getting federal conservation funds, they also contend there's little oversight of the money that is awarded to them. (Adobe Stock)

Some SD farmers unhappy with industrial ag getting conservation funds

Agriculture accounts for more than 10% of greenhouse-gas emissions in the United States. Advocates for small farms in South Dakota hope the next Farm …

South Dakota is known for native wildflowers like Sphaeralcea coccinea, known as the scarlet globemallow. (Photo courtesy of SDSU and Ben Shreves)

National parks, SDSU join the native plant party

The U.S. is home to nearly 5,000 nonnative plant species. Most are not considered harmful but there are efforts to eliminate invasive ones from …

Above is the proposed map from Navigator CO2 to construct a multistate pipeline in the Midwest. The company wants to move carbon dioxide from agricultural sites and store it underground in Illinois. (Courtesy of Navigator)

Like Neighboring States, Carbon Pipeline Scrutiny Ramps Up in SD

This month and next, South Dakota regulators are holding hearings about proposed underground pipelines which would carry carbon dioxide for …

Federal officials say cold-climate heat pumps can provide high-efficiency heating in freezing temperatures without producing greenhouse gas emissions. (Adobe Stock)

Science Moms: Climate Solutions Aren't Out of Reach for Families

April is Earth Month, and moms who work in scientific fields are trying to get the attention of other parents, hoping they'll take advantage of clean-…

Wetlands are areas where water covers the soil, or is present at or near the surface of the soil all year or for varying periods of time, including during the growing season, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. (Adobe Stock)

'Prairie Pothole' Region, Including SD, Gets Wetland Funding Boost

Through the federal Inflation Reduction Act, South Dakota and surrounding states will receive funds to restore wetland areas. The Interior …

Per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances, known as PFAS chemicals, have been used in a range of products, including nonstick cookware. (Adobe Stock)

Clean Water Advocates Cheer 3M Decision on Forever Chemicals

South Dakota and all other states have seen the effects of so-called "forever chemicals." Those pushing for their removal say 3M's announcement it wi…

In the 2020 election, one survey showed that nearly half of voters cited climate change as a

SCOTUS EPA Decision Seen as Not Aligned with Voters

Environmental groups are criticizing a U.S. Supreme Court decision, which narrowed the scope of the Environmental Protection Agency's ability to …

In states like South Dakota, Native American tribes have been trying to restore populations of endangered species like the black-footed ferret. (Adobe Stock)

Giving Tribes More Support to Maintain Wildlife Habitat

Native American tribes manage millions of acres of wildlife habitat but face inequities in securing conservation funds. A bill in Congress would …

By 2050, South Dakota could see a 75% increase in the severity of widespread summer drought conditions. (Adobe Stock)

Meteorologists: Hot, Dry Weather Not a Fluke

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. -- Much of South Dakota will see a familiar weather pattern this week: very hot temperatures and little precipitation. With more …

Bumblebees can die or be rendered sterile by systemic pesticides present in flower pollen. (PANNA)

Working in the Garden? Don't Forget About Bee Safety

PIERRE, S.D. - Pollinator gardens are gaining popularity this spring, but some well-meaning gardeners may not realize they could be harming the …

Corporate watchdogs say some companies have been better than others at adapting to the threats of climate change. A shareholder nonprofit contends U.S. oil companies have been among the slowest to respond. (Adobe Stock)

Corporations Pressed to Adapt to Climate Change Threat

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. - South Dakota is part of a multistate lawsuit over federal regulators being asked to weigh the costs of climate change on society …

In addition to her historic role in President Joe Biden's Cabinet, Rep. Deb Haaland, D-N.M., made history in being one of the first two Native American women elected to Congress in 2018. (House.gov)

Haaland's Confirmation Cheered by SD Tribal Leader

LOWER BRULE, S.D. -- The U.S. government now has its first Native American serving in a Cabinet leadership post. Rep. Deb Haaland, D-N.M., was …

Environmental and tribal groups say the Keystone XL is concerning because plans involved carrying oil from tar sands, the production of which is carbon intensive. (Adobe Stock)

Tribal Leaders Encouraged by Keystone Cancellation, Want More Action

PIERRE, S.D. -- Shortly after taking office Wednesday, President Joe Biden signed several orders, including one that revokes the presidential permit …

Environmental advocates worry they'd see more pollution in South Dakota waterways if the state agency that regulates them is allowed to merge with the Agriculture Department. (Adobe Stock)

Ag Dept., DNR Merger for SD Back in Spotlight

PIERRE, S.D. -- South Dakota's governor is reviving her proposal to merge two state agencies, including one that oversees protections for public …

According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, South Dakota's wind turbines generated about 24% of the state's electricity in 2019. (Adobe Stock)

A Careful Approach Suggested for Wind-Farm Rules

PIERRE, S.D. - The wind-energy industry has seen growth in South Dakota in recent years. But for more projects to move forward, a new report says …

The land on which Mount Rushmore is located was taken from the Lakota Sioux by the U.S. government in the 1800s. (Adobe Stock)

Historical Pain Behind Mount Rushmore Renewed in 2020

KEYSTONE, S.D. -- President Donald Trump plans to hold a rally at Mount Rushmore later this week for Independence Day. But a number of Native …

Coal Creek Station, North Dakota's largest coal plant, has been operating since 1979. (Adobe Stock)

Dakotas to See Large Coal-Fired Power Plant Shut Its Doors

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. - The Upper Midwest will see a seismic shift in energy production after a Minnesota-based utility announced it will close a coal …

Plastic accounts for 10% of all the earth's waste, according to the World Economic Forum. (masspirg.org)

South Dakota Bill Aims to Ban Bans on Single-Use Plastic

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. -- When major flooding occurs across South Dakota, it leaves riverbanks littered with trash, including lots of single-use plastics…

The loss of short and mixed-grass prairies in the Great Plains has significantly reduced South Dakota's swift fox population. (sdstate.edu)

Aiming to Keep SD's Wildlife Off Endangered List

RAPID CITY, S.D. -- One-third of America's wildlife is vulnerable to extinction, including 104 species in South Dakota. But a new bill in Congress …

Flooding across the Midwest in 2019 made this year's corn planting the longest delayed in U.S. history. (farmbureau.org)

Rising Bankruptcies, Possible 2020 Weather Woes Worry SD Farmers

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – With 2020 just around the corner, farmers across the Midwest hope Mother Nature and economic conditions will bring relief …

The Standing Rock Sioux Nation, where thousands of people protested installment of the Dakota Access oil pipeline in 2016, was once part of the Great Sioux Reservation. (MarkHefflinger/BoldNebraska.org)

Native Americans Continue Fight Over Oil Pipelines

RAPID CITY, S.D. – It's been three years since Native American communities attempted to block an oil pipeline in the Standing Rock protests…

The Keystone XL project, proposed to span 1,200 miles from the Montana-Canada border through South Dakota and Nebraska, is expected to draw protesters when construction begins. (JosueRivas/NDN Collective File)

Pipeline's Foes Mobilize after Anti-Protest Laws Fail

RAPID CITY, S.D. — Opponents to the proposed Keystone XL pipeline, expected to run north to south through South Dakota, are mobilizing again …

A controversial uranium mine would be located 13 miles northwest of Edgemont and 50 miles from the Oglala Sioux Tribe's Pine Ridge Reservation. (dakotarural.org)

SD Hearing Scheduled in Decade-Old Uranium Mine Dispute

RAPID CITY, S.D. - A case that began in 2010 is back in the news this week, as the Atomic Safety and Licensing Board hears arguments between a …

In recent days, pet owners in North Carolina and Georgia reported their dogs died after swimming in water contaminated with blue-green algae toxins. (akc.org)

South Dakotans Warned to Avoid Water with Toxic Algae Blooms

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – As the dog days of summer drag on, pet owners are being reminded by the South Dakota Department of Game, Fish and Parks to …

Tourism in South Dakota, including tourist visits to the Crazy Horse Memorial, has risen to record levels in each of the last nine years.(nockewell/pixabay)

SD Parks Celebrate 100 Years with Summer Selfies

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks is celebrating its 100-year anniversary with a nod to how much the world has changed in …

Critics Cry Fowl Over SD Pheasant Protection Bounty Program

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – In her January inaugural address, South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem promised to restore the state's pheasant population and …

South Dakota says it needs $46 million in federal disaster-relief funds to recover from severe winter and spring weather that affected virtually every part of the state. (fema.gov)

SD Requests $46 Million to Recover from Weather Woes

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – South Dakota is asking for a federal emergency declaration that would include $46 million to repair homes, businesses and …

Brian and Jamie Johnson, shown with their children, received the South Dakota Leopold Conservation Award for their success in balancing farm production with conservation. (Courtesy of Johnson Family)

Farming, Conservation Harmonize on NE South Dakota Farm

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – Brian Johnson was just a boy 25 years ago when his dad bucked the trend and adopted no-till farming practices. Now…

South Dakota's Jewel Cave National Monument is one of six sites in the National Park Service system where maintenance is overdue. (fs.usda.gov)

New Congress Makes Second Pass to Restore National Parks

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – South Dakota has millions of dollars in deferred maintenance at six national park units, with a bill re-introduced in …

South Dakota is one of six states that was not reimbursed for millions of dollars spent to keep parks open during a two-week federal government shutdown in 2013. (nps.gov)

Groups Call Feds' Response to Parks During Shutdown Shady, Reckless

RAPID CITY, S.D. – Visitors at national parks across the country are witnessing piles of trash, overflowing toilets and damaged property as …

South Dakota's Badlands is one of 400 sites within the National Parks system, which includes 28,000 buildings and 18,000 miles of trails. (nationalparks.org)

SD's Badlands Among National Parks with Overdue Maintenance

PIERRE, S.D. – Revenues from tourism are expected to be up in South Dakota this year over 2017, but concern that overdue maintenance at …

Pheasants, deer, greater prairie chicken, turkeys, butterflies and bees are often attracted to farm land set aside in the Conservation Reserve Program.(somoag.org)

Fence Sitting on Farm Bill Puts Conservation Programs in Limbo

PIERRE, S.D. – The future of nutrition assistance in the stalled 2018 Farm Bill has dominated news headlines, but Midwest farmers and ranchers …

The National Environmental Policy Act requires federal agencies to examine a project's potential environmental consequences, including public hearings and comment periods. That could change under the Trump administration. (climateprotection.org)

Could NEPA Changes Silence Public Voices on Federal Projects?

RAPID CITY, S.D. – Environmental groups worry the next target of the Trump administration is the National Environmental Policy Act. NEPA is …

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SD: Environment