3 months ago in Agriculture Photo: WNAX
South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem has issued an executive order to merge the State Agriculture Department with the State Department of Environment and Natural Resources. Some South Dakota Agriculture groups have voiced opposition to that merger but the State Farm Bureau backs it. President Scott VanderWal says while putting those two departments together is good, they oppose any legislation calling for electing the State Agriculture Secretary.
He says having the State Ag Secretary elected also could create problems with those who don’t understand agriculture helping decide who fills that position.
VanderWal says there are several advantages in merging DENR with the Agriculture Department.
Pierre, SD, USA / DRGNews
Jan 21, 2021 3:24 PM
South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem shared information today (Jan. 21) about two pieces of legislation she will introduce to the state legislature.
Noem is introducing legislation that will authorize the Department of Agriculture – and future Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources– to contract for construction of the Dakota Events CompleX (DEX).
“In South Dakota, we see challenges as an opportunity to grow, to build for the future,” said Governor Kristi Noem. “The new DEX will be a state-of-the-art facility which will attract regional and national events to Huron. I’m excited for DANR to get to work on this project and to complete the DEX by the 2022 State Fair.”
KNBN NewsCenter1
January 20, 2021
President Biden has revoked a presidential cross-border permit allowing the completion of the Keystone XL pipeline.
Ian Fury, Gov. Noem’s Communications Director, issued the statement moments before the presidential revocation was signed.
Gov. Noem’s statement: “It’s unfortunate that President Biden is not standing up for American jobs and energy independence.”
The controversial Keystone XL pipeline was planned to carry Canadian oil sands to refineries along the Gulf coast and routed through South Dakota. Several construction camps and staging facilities are already in place in the state.
Trans-Canada Energy, owners of Keystone XL, say they plan to challenge the revocation in court. They say they are disappointed with the expected action to revoke the existing Presidential Permit for the pipeline.