A Sept. 24, 2024, map from the U.S. Department of Energy shows South Dakota as the only state not participating in the Home Energy Rebates program.
A rural advocacy group has turned in its petition signed by 904 South Dakotans urging Governor Kristi Noem to reconsider her decision to reject nearly $69 million in federal funds for home energy-efficiency rebates.
Noem is the only governor in the nation to reject participation. The petition urges action but is non-binding.
“We believe this is a misuse of taxpayer money and call on Gov. Noem to promptly seek an extension and apply for these programs on behalf of our state,” reads the petition from Dakota Rural Action, a grassroots organization focusing on family agriculture and conservation. “South Dakota deserves to benefit from our tax dollars.”
Group starts petition urging Noem to reconsider rejection of $69 million in federal energy funding
In its two-week petition effort, the organization gathered signatures from South Dakotans in 143 communities. The organization told South Dakota Searchlight the governor’s office has not responded. Noem’s office also did not immediately respond to a South Dakota Searchlight request for comment on the petition.