Environment

Senate Concurrent Resolution 605 is a non-binding resolution recognizing the monarch butterfly's ecological importance and encouraging voluntary conservation efforts in South Dakota. It urges state agencies, local governments, and land managers to preserve existing milkweed habitats where practical and prioritize pollinator-friendly native seed mixes - including milkweed - in plantings that align with land management goals. The resolution specifically emphasizes voluntary cooperation with landowners and agricultural operations, avoiding regulatory impacts, while urging federal agencies to support these efforts through technical assistance. It does not create new legal requirements but formally supports existing conservation practices.

HB 1294 prohibits any person from conducting geoengineering within South Dakota. The bill defines geoengineering as large-scale climate interventions, specifically including carbon dioxide removal or reflecting sunlight away from Earth. Violating this prohibition is classified as a Class 6 felony. This law directly affects individuals or entities attempting these specific climate interventions within the state. The bill establishes a clear criminal penalty for such actions, focusing on preventing large-scale atmospheric or oceanic climate modification.

HB 1157 creates a 12-member task force to study ecological damage and costs from aquatic invasive species in South Dakota. The task force includes representatives from state agencies (Game, Fish and Parks; Agriculture; Tourism), tribal organizations, water development districts, recreation industries, and environmental groups. It must submit a report by November 2026 detailing prevention strategies, cost estimates, and funding recommendations for addressing invasive species. The bill appropriates $50,000 from the general fund for task force expenses and declares an emergency to expedite implementation.