Category: Environment

Environment, Government, JusticeLeave a comment

Ruling that dilutes regulatory power could ripple through farm and ranch country for years

Gary Dickson

The U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in Loper Bright Enterprises vs. Raimondo has overturned the 40-year precedent known as the Chevron doctrine, limiting deference to federal agency expertise. This ruling will impact farmers and ranchers in South Dakota, allowing them better standing to challenge agency rules. The decision is expected to lead to more consistency in regulations and an increase in lawsuits over federal regulations. Continue reading Ruling that dilutes regulatory power could ripple through farm and ranch country for years

Environment, GovernmentLeave a comment

Noem, who sent Guard troops to Texas, resists using them for her own state’s flooding

Gary Dickson

South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem faces criticism for deploying National Guard to the U.S.-Mexico border but not to assist with flooding in the state, citing costliness. Despite opposition, her spokesperson hints at possible Guard utilization. Noem’s decision comes after allocating funds to previous border deployments and faces backlash from state officials and residents. Continue reading Noem, who sent Guard troops to Texas, resists using them for her own state’s flooding

Agriculture, EnvironmentLeave a comment

Supreme Court upholds $4.75 million verdict for dairy affected by ‘stray voltage’

Gary Dickson

The Iowa Supreme Court upheld a jury’s $4.75 million award to Vagts Dairy for damages caused by electrical currents from a nearby gas pipeline. The dairy’s cattle suffered abnormal behavior, illnesses, and high mortality rates. The court’s decision rejected the gas company’s appeal, emphasizing the severity of the damages and supporting the jury’s verdict. Continue reading Supreme Court upholds $4.75 million verdict for dairy affected by ‘stray voltage’

Environment, Government, North Sioux CityLeave a comment

McCook Lake residents say their homes were sacrificed, and they want a new flood plan

Gary Dickson

Homeowners allege inadequate warnings, authorities defend communication in the face of record floodwaters at McCook Lake, South Dakota. State and local authorities executed a flood mitigation plan, but some residents claim insufficient warnings. Cleanup and future plans are now in question as the community grapples with the aftermath of the devastating flood. Continue reading McCook Lake residents say their homes were sacrificed, and they want a new flood plan

Agriculture, EnvironmentLeave a comment

15 Iowa puppy mills cited in Humane Society’s annual report

Gary Dickson

The Humane Society of the United States released its annual “Horrible Hundred” report, highlighting regulatory issues at 100 puppy mills nationwide, including 15 in Iowa. The report revealed violations at various Iowa breeders, including issues such as unsanitary conditions, lack of veterinary care, and poor record-keeping. The report emphasizes the need for public awareness of the realities of the industry. Continue reading 15 Iowa puppy mills cited in Humane Society’s annual report

Agriculture, Commentary, Environment1 Comment

Farm insurance unfairness: Taxpayers foot the bill, but only for the ‘golden crops’

Gary Dickson

Farmers in Iowa face challenges getting insurance coverage for agritourism due to high premiums and limited options. The federally subsidized insurance largely benefits large-scale commodity crops, leaving smaller-scale farmers with limited support. Calls for reform and reduced subsidies highlight the disparity, with Republican lawmakers advocating for increased support for the “Golden Crops.” The author questions the fairness of taxpayer-funded support for crop insurance while essential public services remain underfunded. Continue reading Farm insurance unfairness: Taxpayers foot the bill, but only for the ‘golden crops’

Environment, South Dakota2 Comments

EPA data: South Dakota industrial chemical releases rise amid national decline

Gary Dickson

Most mountain and plains states have seen reductions in pollutants released to the air, water and soil since 2013 at a rate of decline more than double the national average.

In South Dakota, though, toxic releases increased by 16%.

That’s according to recently published 2022 data from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Toxics Release Inventory. Continue reading EPA data: South Dakota industrial chemical releases rise amid national decline

Environment, Government, South DakotaLeave a comment

State DANR announces more than $172 million for environmental projects

Gary Dickson

The South Dakota Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources (DANR) announced the Board of Water and Natural Resources has approved $172,554,815 in grants and loans for drinking water, wastewater, stormwater and solid waste projects in South Dakota.

The $172,554,815 total consists of $20,007,550 in grants and $152,547,265 in low-interest loans, including $10,986,600 in principal forgiveness to be administered by the Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources.

Included in the funding were 11 projects in the Siouxland communities of Alcester, Hudson, Parker, Sioux Falls, Vermillion, Viborg and Worthing, plus the Lincoln County Rural Water System and the South Eastern Council of Governments out of Sioux Falls. Continue reading State DANR announces more than $172 million for environmental projects

Commentary, EnvironmentLeave a comment

Warmer weather at Okoboji: What it means for the lakes and those who use them

Gary Dickson

The ice on Spirit Lake went out this year on March 3.

From 1944, when the record-keeping began, through 1981, the ice went out in the latter half of April about once every third or fourth year.  Since 2001, the ice has gone out in the latter half of April only once.

Looking at it another way, the ice cover on Spirt Lake has been decreasing in terms of how long it lasts each year for the past quarter-century or so.

The obvious conclusion is that the water temperatures in the Iowa Great Lakes are getting warmer, a result of ongoing global warming, which is part . . .
Continue reading Warmer weather at Okoboji: What it means for the lakes and those who use them

Agriculture, Environment, IowaLeave a comment

More than half of Iowa’s tested streams and lakes are ‘impaired’

Gary Dickson

There are at least 721 water body segments in Iowa that do not meet water quality standards for recreation, public water supplies and the protection of aquatic life, according to the state Department of Natural Resources.

The DNR has drafted its latest list of “impaired” waters that it is required to submit to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency every two years. The list is based on data collected by the department and numerous other entities between 2020 and 2022, and it is used to guide restrictions for stream pollution for Continue reading More than half of Iowa’s tested streams and lakes are ‘impaired’