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 …

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 …

Sioux Falls experienced its wettest two-day period in the National Weather Service's record keeping, according to NASA, which began in 1893. (Brian Jackson/Adobe Stock)

Water contamination a concern in Midwest flood aftermath

As South Dakotans affected by recent record floods take stock of damages, researchers say water quality is among the concerns. The state has been …

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…

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

OSHA says when developing heat illness prevention plans, companies should have a person on their job site to monitor others for potential signs of heat stroke. (Adobe Stock)

In a Smoky Summer, Outdoor Workers Can't Overlook Heat Threats

Periodic smoky air from Canadian wildfires is getting attention over public health concerns. But people who work outdoors in South Dakota and …

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-…

In addition to first aid kits, the American Red Cross suggests having extra clothes, rain gear and sturdy shoes that are accessible when venturing into the outdoors for a lengthy period. (Adobe Stock)

Spring Season Provides Opportunity for Disaster Preparedness

From navigating floodwaters to surviving the aftermath of a severe storm, South Dakotans are being urged to make sure they're ready for whatever …

Some environmental groups say carbon capture might be worth exploring, but only on a smaller scale to ensure it can work as part of climate-change solutions. (Adobe Stock)

Policy Expert: Too Many Unknowns about Carbon Capture

South Dakota regulators could get an updated map proposal this fall from a company behind a multistate pipeline for underground storage of carbon diox…

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

Some farmers in the Midwest this year did not get all the corn planted they normally would due to rain, snow, cold and flooding. (1778011/pixabay)

Corn Growers Press for New NAFTA Deal in Congress

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – America's corn growers are in Washington this week urging Congress to ratify a new trade agreement with Canada and Mexico…

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…

People living in South Dakota's urban areas are more likely to believe severe weather events are related to global warming than those living in rural areas, according to a map created by Yale University. (weather.gov)

Teaching Climate Change in SD Classrooms Still Challenging

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – A new poll says parents and teachers across the nation support a curriculum that includes climate change education…

In Hyde County, S.D., more than 75 percent of the fields are managed without tillage, according to the Natural Resources Conservation Service. (nrcs.usda.gov)

As Climate Heats Up, So Does Soil-Conservation Movement

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – Farming practices aren't changing as fast as the climate, and food production is likely to suffer, according to one expert …

As people age, new research shows they are less likely to embrace pro-environmental views or donate to these causes, although there certainly are exceptions. (pri.org)

Aging Alters Americans' Support of Environmental Spending

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. — A new study suggests most people don't stay environmentally conscious as they get older. Researchers analyzed data from …

Many of the EPA regulations that Scott Pruitt scrapped or delayed as EPA administrator had not yet taken effect before his resignation. (Wikimedia Commons)

Government Watchdog Groups: Pruitt's EPA Exit "Long Overdue"

WASHINGTON – After allegedly overspending on everything from pens to lavish trips and accepting questionable deals from lobbyists, government …

South Dakota still is dealing with a massive wildfire near Custer State Park. (Sgt. Austin Pearce/National Guard)

Analyst: Climate Change Didn't Make Headlines Enough in 2017

PIERRE, S.D. -- This year the media seemed to follow President Donald Trump's every move in the White House with bated breath. But did that leave …

More than three-quarters of South Dakota counties are in some stage of drought and the rest are considered

South Dakotans Hanging on Through Severe Drought

RAPID CITY, S.D. – South Dakotans have seen their crops turn to dust this summer as the state suffers from the worst drought in the nation…

A group of scientists is voicing concern that Sam Clovis, right, isn't qualified to be chief scientist at the USDA because he doesn't hold an advanced science degree. (Preston Keres/Flickr)

Scientists' Group: Trump's Pick for Ag Science Post "Unqualified"

PIERRE, S.D. – A leading scientific organization says President Donald Trump's nominee to be chief scientist at the U.S. Department of …

Research from South Dakota State University finds climate change has put the country at risk for more and greater forest fires. (Master Sgt. Don Matthews/US Army)

SD Scientist: Climate Change Causing Fire Season to Heat Up

BROKKINGS, S.D. – As the Trump administration takes steps to sideline environmental science, recent research confirms that states will need to …

Conservation groups are calling for bipartisan cooperation and action to preserve public lands and wildlife. (Jerry Oster)

Cooperation Needed to Protect Public Lands, Wildlife

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. -- Conservation groups are speaking out now that the election is over, calling for bipartisan action on issues affecting the …

Improving quality of life in rural communities means involving young people and giving them reasons to stay and grow businesses there. (faungg's photos/flickr)

Movement Aims to Help "Lost Generation" of Rural Americans

PIERRE, S.D. – A nationwide movement aimed at improving the quality of life in rural America, including South Dakota, says it's focused on …

A new survey shows young Republican voters are in favor of renewable energy. (Don Graham/Flickr)

Poll: Young Republicans Want Change, Look to Renewables

PIERRE, S.D. - Young conservatives overwhelmingly feel manmade climate change is a real problem, according to new national poll. These GOP voters …

Airplanes are expected to emit 43 gigatonnes of greenhouse gas pollution by 2050 if no action is taken. (iStockphoto)

EPA: Airplane Emissions a Threat

PIERRE, S.D. — CONCORD, N.H. — Greenhouse gas emissions from aircraft engines endanger public health and welfare, according to new …

A new measure of ozone and particle air pollution shows parts of South Dakota are becoming unhealthy for sensitive groups, such as people living with asthma. (iStockphoto)

Report: South Dakota's Air Quality Gets Mixed Results

PIERRE, S.D. - For the most part, air quality in South Dakota is earning passing marks in the new State of the Air report from the American Lung …

A new survey shows South Dakota has the third-lowest percentage of clean-energy jobs per capita in the Midwest. (iStockphoto)

Survey: SD Lags Most Midwest States in Clean-Energy Jobs, Policies

PIERRE, S.D. - South Dakota is playing catch-up with other Midwestern states for jobs in the clean-energy field, according to a new report. The …

Organic farmers can start applying for a program to help them pay for conservation buffers on their lands. (iStockphoto)

USDA to Give Organic Farmers New Conservation Tool

PIERRE, S.D. – Organic farmers in South Dakota and across the nation soon will have a new tool to help their bottom lines while protecting the …

A new report on rooftop solar shows South Dakota stores have lots of potential to save money and curb pollution. (iStockphoto)

Solar Power's Untapped Potential in South Dakota

PIERRE, S.D. - South Dakota has millions of square feet of untapped potential for solar power. That's one finding of a recent report, entitled Solar …

Climate change could have a big impact on the availability of food around the world. Photo by Jerry Oster

Climate Change Presents Multiple Threats to World Food System

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. - Climate change will have a big impact on food security across the globe, but will hit the poor and people living in tropical …

Efforts underway to leave more fossil fuels in the ground to prevent greenhouse-gas pollution. Credit: Sasha Radosavljevic

Report: Executive Action Could Prevent 450 Billion Tons of Climate Pollution

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. - A new report from the Center for Biological Diversity highlights how President Obama, or any other sitting president, has legal …

The waiting game on a decision for Keystone XL is now at more than six years. Photo credit:

Keystone XL: Still Waiting

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. - The waiting game on a decision for Keystone XL is now at more than six years, with supporters and foes wondering what is taking …

PHOTO: Bees are disappearing in South Dakota and around the globe, and scientists say a class of insecticides known as neonicotinoids is contributing to the decline in bee colonies. Photo credit: miniperium/morguefile.com.

Concern in South Dakota Over Bee-Killing Pesticides

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – The sound of a buzzing bee may signal the threat of a sting, but it also means important pollinators are doing their job as …

PHOTO: Carbon pollution rules for coal-fired power plants have been delayed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, at least until summer. Photo credit: J.C. Willett/U.S. Geological Survey.

Power Plant Carbon Rules Delayed By EPA

WASHINGTON – Rules designed to reduce carbon emissions from coal power plants are being delayed, with the Environmental Protection Agency …

PHOTO: About two-thirds of the crude oil shipped by rail in the United States is transported in DOT-111 tank cars. A lawsuit alleges they aren't sturdy or safe enough for that purpose, and asks the U.S. Department of Transportation to ban their use for oil shipment. Photo credit: dhaluza/Wikipedia.

Groups Demand Action on Rail Cars Risky for Oil Transport

PIERRE, S.D. – Oil is being shipped across the country in train cars that the government says are unsafe, and two environmental groups are …

CHART: Several polls have found similar strong support for EPA clean power rules, including one done by George Mason University. Chart courtesy of George Mason University Center for Climate Change Communication.

Polls Show Strong Support for EPA Clean Power Rules

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. - A series of public-opinion polls shows pretty much the same results, with two-to-one support for the Environmental Protection …

PHOTO: A new report from the National Wildlife Federation outlines how climate change is connected to a proliferation of menacing outdoor pests, from poison ivy to ticks. Photo credit: Deborah C. Smith

Report Details Buggy Trends in South Dakota

YANKTON, S.D. - Climate change is connected to all kinds of creepy-crawly critters, with a new National Wildlife Federation report detailing how …

South Dakotans may be able to keep some of the worst effects of climate change at bay if new EPA rules to cut back on carbon emissions from power plants go forward. Photo credit: Kenn W. Kizer/Morguefile.

EPA Hearing on Cuts in Carbon Emissions Draws Hundreds

YANKTON, S.D. - Hundreds of people came before a regional hearing of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in Denver this week, as the agency …

PHOTO: New research finds drivers of 2014 model vehicles are saving about 20 percent more on gasoline than those who drive a 2008 model. Photo credit: John Sense/morguefile.

Newer Cars Saving SD Drivers Money at the Gas Pump

SIOUX FALLS, S. D. – South Dakotans who traveled the roads over the holiday weekend likely felt the pinch at the gas pump, but some spent a lot …

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