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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…

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…

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 …

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-…

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 …

Groups that question the environmental benefits of carbon capture and storage say the process would expend even more energy just to operate. (Adobe Stock)

Tribal Opposition Lines Up Against Carbon Storage Plans

A Midwestern company is trying to gain support for a multi-state project involving capturing carbon from ethanol plants and moving it underground for …

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 …

According to an annual industry report, South Dakota had the fifth-highest output in the nation last year of electricity generated by wind turbines. (Adobe Stock)

Tight Grid Capacity Limits SD Wind-Energy Growth

PIERRE, S.D. - The renewable-energy industry is happy to be included in the COVID-19 relief bill signed this week by President Donald Trump. However…

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 …

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 …

If passed, the newest version of South Dakota's

"Riot-Boosting" Redux Set for Hearing at SD Capitol

PIERRE, S.D. -- Another attempt to limit protests over construction of the Keystone XL pipeline will be heard at the State Capitol today. Gov…

South Dakota currently ranks 50th nationally in installed solar generating capacity, according to the Solar Energy Industries Association. (jaidee/Pixabay)

SD's Pine Ridge Reservation Approved for $100M Solar Project

RAPID CITY, S.D. -- The Pine Ridge Reservation in southwestern South Dakota will be the site of a $100 million solar electricity generation project…

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 …

A Lakota man locks himself to construction equipment in 2016 to protest construction of the Dakota Access Pipeline. (en.wikipedia.org)

Anti-Pipeline-Protest Bills Head to SD Governor's Desk

PIERRE, S.D. — Anti-pipeline-protest legislation that opponents say could chill free speech in South Dakota is on its way to Gov. Kristi Noem …

The majority of state-level criminal cases related to the Dakota Access Pipeline protests in 2016 have been adjudicated, but about 100 people still face charges and may not know it. (insideclimatenews.org)

Dakota Access Pipeline Protesters Get Legal Help

RAPID CITY S.D. – Legal professionals are in western South Dakota this weekend, trying to locate and help about 100 people who have outstanding …

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 …

Standing Rock chairman Mike Faith says the Dakota Access Pipeline presents a

Victory for Tribes as Court Orders More Oversight of DAPL

PIERRE, S.D. – In a significant win for the Standing Rock and Cheyenne River Sioux tribes, a federal judge on Monday ordered greater oversight …

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 …

Dozens of Native American young people are running a 2,000-mile relay to protest the controversial Dakota Access Pipeline. (iStockphoto)

Native Youth Protest Dakota Access Pipeline

PIERRE, S.D. - A 2,000-mile journey to fight for clean water and land is making its way through Maryland. Native American youths are running from …

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 …

Native American tribal leaders are taking a 20-mile ceremonial horse ride to protest the Dakota Access oil pipeline. (iStockphoto)

SD Tribal Leaders Ride to Oppose Oil Pipeline Plans

PIERRE, S.D. - Several tribal groups today are kicking off a protest over the nearly $4 billion Dakota Access oil pipeline project. Tribal members …

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 …

Ceiling fans are a good option for staying cool in the summer, but experts says it's a waste of energy to use them when you are not in the room. Credit: Pippa Lou/Morguefile

Avoid High Summer Cooling Costs by Acting Now

SIOUX FALLS, SD - Summer is officially here and the need to stay cool typically translates into a higher electric bill. But experts say some simple …

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 …

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 …

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 …

Agriculture May Benefit From New EPA Rules On Emissions

YANKTON, S.D. – The Environmental Protection Agency has proposed new rules that would cut carbon emissions from coal-fired power plants by 30 …

PHOTO: There's majority support for moving the country

National Survey Shows Strong Support for Limits on Carbon Pollution

YANKTON, S.D. - There's majority support for moving the country "entirely away from coal," according to a new nationwide survey commissioned by the …

PHOTO: A compromise on the Farm Bill reached this week includes funding for programs that support rural development, jobs and farm income. Photo courtesy Bureau of Land Management.

Farm Bill Agreement: A "Win" for Clean-Energy Programs

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. - Final passage of the much-delayed national Farm Bill is expected this week. The five-year compromise includes funding for …

PHOTO: An amendment to limit certain farm payments is not in the new five-year Farm Bill that's expected to be voted on today in the U-S House. Photo credit: Carl Wycoff

Farm Bill (Finally) Advances, Some Reforms Left Behind

VERMILLION, S.D. - After more than two years of debate, it appears a new Farm Bill is headed for passage - although there are misgivings on a number …

CHART: According to a new study, the U.S. - and some states in particular - will see job growth in the next few years from rules to limit carbon pollution and slow climate change. Courtesy NRDC.

Study: Cutting Carbon Pollution Means Gains for U.S. Economy

YANKTON, S.D. - A chance to add U.S. jobs and cut electric bills in many states: That's what a new study says is in store by limiting carbon …

PHOTO: A new report says migratory birds are having a tough time adjusting to a changing climate. Courtesy of U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service.

Report: Birds Can't Fly Faster than Climate Change

YANKTON, S.D. - Birds are feeling the negative effects of a warming climate, according to a new report from the National Wildlife Federation…

PHOTO: The Center for Rural Affairs says no-till planting is one way America's farmers can help battle climate change. CREDIT: NRCS Soil Health

U.S. Farmers: Growing a Positive Impact on Climate Change

YANKTON, S.D. - America's farmers could play a key role in altering the path of climate change. According to Johnathan Hladik, senior policy advocate …

Earth Day 2013: More than 3 Million Work 'Green' Jobs

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. - As South Dakotans celebrate Earth Day, environmentalists look back at the progress that they've made. Since that first Earth Day …

PHOTO: The new report �Turning up the Heat II� says the thermostat industry's voluntary recycling program has captured only 8 percent of the mercury thermostats that have gone out of service in the past decade. CREDIT: Stephen Cummings

Mercury Thermostat Collection Programs Failing in SD, U.S.

YANKTON, S.D. - Voluntary efforts to keep discarded mercury thermostats out of the trash, in South Dakota and nationwide, are failing, according to a …

PHOTO: A report from the Center for Rural Affairs finds that expanding the electric transmission grid is key to a clean energy future.

Opportunity On The Line

YANKTON, S.D. – A new report from the Center for Rural Affairs finds that expanding the electric transmission grid is key to a clean energy …

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SD: Energy Policy