South Dakota

ELPC is working to advance clean energy development in South Dakota. Our work there has focused on simplifying the state’s grid-connection standards and promoting federal programs that help get clean energy projects on the ground.

The Case for Wind Power in South Dakota

Wind energy is the fastest growing source of electricity generation in the United States. According to an ELPC report, South Dakota’s available wind resources are among the best in the country and South Dakota officials have expressed strong interest in promoting wind energy. Despite these benefits, little of South Dakota’s wind potential has been realized. As of January 2008, there were about 4,000 megawatts of wind power under development in South Dakota, but only 188 megawatts of wind energy had been installed. ELPC’s report explains how South Dakota can become a renewable energy powerhouse and identifies important policy drivers that can help to more fully tap these clean energy resources. Download the report here.

Simplifying Clean Energy Standards

ELPC staff worked closely with the South Dakota Public Utilities Commission to develop strong “interconnection standards” — important technical rules that make it easier to connect small solar, wind and other clean energy systems to the electric grid. These standards streamline the interconnection process by including uniform engineering requirements, reasonable fees and timelines, standard application forms and legal agreements, and “expedited review” for small projects. South Dakota approved state rules on May 28, 2009, and ELPC continues working with stakeholders to ensure they are implemented effectively.

Rural Energy for America Program

ELPC is working with a diverse group of allies in South Dakota and around the nation to promote, implement and improve clean energy programs in the next Farm Bill. ELPC has been instrumental in crafting the Rural Energy for America Program, or REAP, since its inception in 2002. This cornerstone program provides grants and loan guarantees to agricultural producers and rural small businesses to help produce clean energy and improve energy efficiency. REAP boosts profits by cutting energy consumption (and bills) with modern clean energy technologies; creates jobs and leverages private investments; protects the environment by reducing fossil fuel pollution; and increased our energy security by providing new, homegrown sources of clean energy. Between 2003 and 2011, South Dakota received 135 REAP projects totaling $5.3 million in grants.

ELPC’s South Dakota Office

ELPC’s Sioux Falls office (311 S. Phillips Avenue, Suite 202) is staffed by ELPC Policy Advocate Matt McLarty. Matt previously worked as the Legislative Director for the South Dakota Democratic Party and, before then, as the Director of Governmental Affairs for the South Dakota Farmers Union. He currently serves on the Board of Directors for the South Dakota Wind Energy Association.

News

Application Period Now Open for Biomass Crop Assistance Program Project Areas

The USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) is now accepting applications for the Biomass Crop Assistance Program (BCAP) Project Areas. Proposals will be accepted until April 23, 2012.

“BCAP is an important and unique program that develops new biomass energy crops that can boost farmer income while providing a new energy source for the nation. It has potential across the country,” said Steve Falck, Senior Policy Advocate for the Environmental Law & Policy Center (ELPC).

The USDA will review the proposals and select producers or biomass facilities for the BCAP Project Areas. The growers will qualify for establishment or annual payments.

BCAP was first created in the 2008 Farm Bill. In FY2011, USDA selected nine project areas, approving more than 860 grower contracts for camelina, hybrid poplar, warm season grasses and giant miscanthus on almost 50,000 acres. The total investment in those projects is estimated to be $55 million.

In November 2011, Congress passed appropriations for 2012 limiting the total amount of BCAP funding to $17 million, reducing the potential number of projects and investments.

The Request for Proposal and additional information can be found at http://www.fsa.usda.gov/bcap.

To apply for a BCAP grant:

1.    Go to www.grants.gov.

2.    On the left side of the page, click on “Apply for Grants.”

3.    Click on “Download a Grant Application Package.”

4.    Type “10.087” in the box with the heading “CFDA Number” and click on “Download Package.”