Governor Noem Testifies Against Biden’s Proposed BLM Rule
Fights for the Freedom of South Dakota Farmers and Ranchers

PIERRE, S.D. – Today, Governor Kristi Noem testified  before the United States House of Representatives Committee on Natural Resources in favor of HR 3397. The bill would require the Bureau of Land Management to withdraw the proposed rule on “Conservation and Landscape Health.”

Governor Noem reminded the committee that our land is our greatest resource and that Washington bureaucrats do not know how to manage land better than the folks who have been stewarding it for generations. Photos from the hearing and Governor Noem’s meeting with House leadership can be found here.

“I was raised by a dad who often reminded me, ‘Kristi, we don’t sell land, because God’s not making any more land…,” said Governor Noem. “But I also learned why he cared so much – because working the land wasn’t just a job or a career to my father. It was our family legacy. It was our way of life. It was a culture that not only preserves a critical work ethic that is so important to this country, but it also reminds us daily of the natural resources that were a gift from God.” You can view Governor Noem’s full opening statement here.

Representative Dusty Johnson (SD) introduced Governor Noem at the beginning of the hearing. He said, “Time and time again I have seen [Governor Noem] make decisions not on the basis of what would increase her political comfort, but what would better serve her oath of office…In that way she has made great decisions for our state.” You can view Rep. Johnson’s full introduction here.

When answering a question posed by Representative Stauber (MN-08), Governor Noem emphasized that BLM did not conduct an economic analysis when writing the proposed rule. Thus, it’s designation as a minor rule has no basis in fact.

Governor Noem explained in her response to Representative Curtis (UT-03) that the state of South Dakota has achieved the second highest renewable fuel share in the country and a designation as a top ten greenest state without mandates or government overreach. The proposed BLM rule would halt this progress by trouncing on states’ rights.

In a response to Representative Lamborn (CO-05), Governor Noem talked about how the proposed BLM rule would be not only detrimental to the economy, but harmful to America’s work ethic.

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It looks like it’s a work in progress as they connect social media and update information, but the South Dakota Republican Party has some new information on-line as they test their new website.

I was able to grab a couple of screen grabs before they notice that I noticed, and it goes dark, so sharing:

Looks pretty good.

From Twitter, Governor Kristi Noem testifies in Washington in a House Natural Resources hearing against the administration’s left-wing agenda.

President Biden and his Administration are elevating a left-wing radical environmental agenda, rather than balancing management, conservation, and public safety.

Our farmers and ranchers are the best stewards of our land — they’re the best conservationists I know.

I support HR… pic.twitter.com/OdwswqTzhb

— Kristi Noem (@KristiNoem) June 15, 2023

If you recall the group that was attempting to recall the Baltic mayor, with the recall being challenged in court, I’m hearing an early report that the recall group did win in court, and the recall/special election will be moving forward.

Stay tuned for more on this.

In an interesting episode, our neighbor to the north is facing similar battles within their GOP ranks that South Dakota Republicans have had growing in the ranks, where populist activists seek to oust long-time carriers of water for the elephant:

North Dakota’s dominant political party may be on the cusp of coming under the control of conspiracy-addled populists. It all hinges on a meeting to be held this weekend.
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The NDGOP is a very open organization. So much so the supposed “good old boys” and “elites” — the traditional Republicans who have been winning one election after another for 30 years — may, at a reorganization meeting to be held this coming weekend in Fargo, be given the boot by a small-but-active contingent of Trumpy culture warriors.

and..

Because it is not a top-down “good old boys” network, because it is not a walled garden for some imagined cabal of political elites, a smallish faction of angry populists have been able to manipulate the process to the point where they may well be in charge of the party after this weekend.

The NDGOP is so bottom-up it doesn’t even have a uniform set of bylaws for electing leadership around the state, something that has led to a lot of shenanigans..

Read the entire story here.

What are your thoughts on this? Is it a recipe for disaster that will lead to the loss of elections? Or is the influx of people a good thing?

This year, South Dakota Secretary of State Monae Johnson has convened a group to meet on election integrity to probe how open and transparent our elections are.  And according to reports, apparently the first meeting will be conducted behind closed doors, and not many people are happy about it:

“It is a closed session so that our members can talk freely,” said Johnson, who rode federal election frustrations among GOP voters to the South Dakota Republican Party’s nomination for secretary of state last summer.

and..

“We understood, as supporters, that she already knew the issues around transparency,” she said. “You never know what you’re walking into, but many of the things she ran on seemed to disappear.”

Nelson, the lone lawmaker from the state’s minority party serving on the committee, supported the creation of a summer study pertaining to post-election audits, created through legislation he supported this winter. But the closed-door meeting doesn’t sit well with him, either.

Read the entire story at The Dakota Scout (Subscription required).

Why? Just why? Who is providing this advice? Because this is an unforced error.

I’m not sure why Monae Johnson is setting herself up for a media pummeling here. Because that’s all that closing a meeting on election integrity is going to get her.

Does anyone assume that everything is going to remain behind closed doors with the election denier crowd, and the opposing party at the meeting table?

Stay tuned.

Gov. Noem and Colleagues Oppose Proposed BLM Rule

PIERRE, S.D. – Today, Governor Kristi Noem and five of her fellow Republican governors sent a letter to Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland opposing the Bureau of Land Management’s (BLM) proposed rule on “Conservation and Landscape Health.” Governor Noem will testify on Capitol Hill regarding the same subject tomorrow, June 15^th, at 8:00am CT. You can read the letter here.

“This Proposed Rule, if adopted, could fundamentally alter the future management of BLM lands to the detriment of recreation, livestock grazing, mineral extraction, renewable energy production, and other common uses on BLM lands,” wrote Governor Noem and her colleagues. “We oppose the Proposed Rule and urge the BLM to start over, withdraw its proposal, and instead focus its efforts on working closely with states, local governments, and stakeholders on rulemaking that will truly enhance active management and actual conservation of BLM lands within the framework of multiple use and sustained yield.”

Tomorrow, Governor Noem’s testimony will focus on reminding the committee that our land is our greatest resource – and God isn’t making any more of it. She will point out that Washington bureaucrats do not know how to manage land better than the folks who have been stewarding it for generations. She will articulate how BLM’s proposed rule would devastate conservation and management efforts, harm wildlife, slow economic growth, and endanger public safety.

“The continuation of multiple use and sustained yield mandates for BLM lands is essential for our states. Western states will struggle to grow and thrive without the flexibility and balance Congress requires in BLM land management,” continued Governor Noem and her colleagues. “We urge the BLM to set aside the Proposed Rule in favor of a new, collaborative process with states, local governments, and stakeholders coming to the table.”

Governor Noem was joined by the following Republican governors in issuing the statement: Utah Governor Spencer Cox, Idaho Governor Brad Little, Montana Governor Greg Gianforte, Nevada Governor Joe Lombardo, and Wyoming Governor Mark Gordon.

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Attorney General Jackley Releases Final Explanation for Proposed Legislative Term Limits Constitutional Amendment

PIERRE, S.D. – South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley has released the final ballot explanation for the proposed constitutional amendment that would revise legislative term limits. The proposed amendment was submitted by State Sen. Brent Hoffman of Sioux Falls.

The Attorney General does not take a position on any such proposal. He has provided a fair and neutral explanation on the proposed constitutional amendment to assist the voters.

This proposed constitutional amendment would revise legislative terms to a lifetime total of eight years in the State House of Representatives and a lifetime total of eight years in the State Senate for a maximum total of 16 years serving in the Legislature. The ballot explanation can be found here.

If the required 35,017 valid signatures are gathered and approved by the South Dakota Secretary of State’s Office, the proposed constitutional amendment will be placed on the 2024 general ballot. A majority of the votes cast in the general election will be needed to pass the measure.

The Attorney General’s explanation was drafted after a review of all the comments received during the proposed amendment’s 10-day comment period. A total of two comments were received.

State law requires the Attorney General to draft a title and explanation for each initiated measure, initiated constitutional amendment, constitutional amendment proposed by the Legislature, or referred measure that may appear on an election ballot.

For more information regarding ballot measures, please visit the Secretary of State’s website.

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Governor Noem Appoints Austin Simons and Chris Frick to the Transportation Commission 

PIERRE, S.D. – Today, Governor Kristi Noem announced that she will appoint Austin Simons and Chris Frick to serve on the South Dakota Transportation Commission.

“Our Transportation Commission makes sure that South Dakotans can get where they need to go. They are the ones that keep our state moving,” said Governor Noem. “I am confident that these folks will serve in their new roles with the best interest of our citizens at heart. I look forward to working with them.”

Austin Simons is a lifetime resident of South Dakota and has a bachelor’s degree in banking and finance and professional accountancy from Northern State University. He was a public accountant at Cahill Bauer & Associates in Mobridge, South Dakota before going on to become the manager at Thorstenson Trucking, LLC in Selby. In this role, Simons has applied performance data to evaluate and improve operations, target current business conditions, and forecast needs. A photo of Simons can be found here.

“I am very grateful to Governor Noem for this opportunity to serve the state of South Dakota,” said Austin Simons. “I have lived here my entire life, and I am proud to have a role in continuing to improve this state not only for those living here today, but for the future generations of South Dakotans.”

Chris Frick is from Yankton, South Dakota and has a bachelor’s degree in teaching from the University of Sioux Falls. He worked at a family-owned livestock order buying business before starting his own livestock market in 1994. Frick went on to work in sales for a wholesale propane company. He is now part owner of a HVAC company. A photo of Frick can be found here.

“I would like to thank Governor Noem for having faith in me to do the right things for South Dakota,” said Chris Frick. “It is an honor to serve the hardworking people of this great state on the Transportation Commission.”

Austin Simons will fill the vacant seat of former Commissioner Benj Stoick. Chris Frick will fill the vacant seat of former Commissioner Bruce Cull.

Information on the Transportation Commission can be found here.

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Governor Noem Appoints Jean Moulton to Board of Education Standards

PIERRE, S.D. – Today, Governor Kristi Noem announced that she will appoint Jean Moulton to serve on the South Dakota Board of Education Standards.

“Our kids and grandkids will be the next generation of leaders, business owners, and entrepreneurs. They will also be the leaders of the future of our great American republic. They deserve an honest and factual classroom teaching that will prepare them to engage in our civil society for the rest of their lives,” said Governor Noem. “I look forward to working with Jean to ensure that South Dakota children receive a quality education for generations to come.”

Governor Noem has worked with the Board of Education Standards to pass the most robust and comprehensive social studies standards in the country. These standards raise the bar for high-quality civic education in America and equip students with the necessary knowledge and experiences to become active members of society. South Dakota is preparing the next generation to continue the legacy of this great nation.

Jean Moulton has dedicated 43 years to serving students, parents, and schools in South Dakota as both a teacher and a librarian. While working as the librarian for Watertown High School, she developed the library into the top high school research library in the state of South Dakota. Moulton also developed the state’s first curriculum standards for computer courses. She was a triple major at the University of South Dakota in library science, history, and English. She later taught in all three majors. Since retiring in 2018, Moulton has volunteered for the Watertown School Board. A photo of Moulton can be found here.

“Today, education faces many challenges and opportunities,” said Jean Moulton. “I am grateful to Governor Noem for giving me the chance to strengthen education for the next generation of South Dakotans. Everyone has a stake in the success of our schools, and it is the vital partnerships of all levels of education along with industry partners who will chart the future of our children.”

Jean Moulton will serve out the remainder of Dr. Steve Willard’s term, which is set to expire on December 31^st, 2024.

Information on the Board of Education Standards can be found here.

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