South Dakota Case D. 541341:316

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The appointment of South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem to lead the Department of Homeland Security has reignited debates over climate change policy and federal disaster response, as her record of rejecting climate-related funding and skepticism about climate science comes under renewed scrutiny.

Noem, a Republican who has served as South Dakota’s governor since 2019, was named by President-elect Donald Trump to oversee the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), which manages disaster recovery and federal aid programs. Her selection has drawn criticism from environmental advocates and some members of her own party, who argue that her approach to climate resilience and disaster preparedness is at odds with the growing frequency of extreme weather events.

Noem’s skepticism about climate change dates back to at least 2022, when she told a reporter, “I think the science has been varied on it, and it hasn’t been proven to me that what we’re doing is affecting the climate.” This statement reflects her broader resistance to federal climate initiatives. She is one of only five U.S. governors who declined to accept EPA planning grants aimed at addressing climate pollution under the Biden administration. Additionally, she opted out of a $4 billion Energy Department program that would have provided rebates for energy-efficient home improvements, a decision that critics say undermines efforts to reduce carbon emissions and lower energy costs for residents.

South Dakota’s share of the Energy Department’s program was $69 million, one of the largest per capita allocations in the nation. State Senator Linda Duba (D) highlighted the potential benefits of the funding, noting that it could have supported commercial contractors to install energy-efficient appliances, thereby reducing heating and cooling costs for homeowners. “We’re trying to drive down costs for individuals, so there was tremendous opportunity there,” Duba said.

Noem’s office defended her decisions, stating that “federal spending often comes with strings attached, and more of it is often not a good thing.” A spokesperson for the governor, Ian Fury, emphasized that South Dakota prioritizes state-level solutions over federal mandates. However, her stance has drawn sharp criticism from environmental groups and climate scientists, who argue that rejecting federal assistance weakens the state’s ability to adapt to climate risks.

The controversy comes as South Dakota faces increasing threats from extreme weather. In June 2022, the state experienced severe flooding and storms, prompting Governor Noem to request a federal disaster declaration. A document titled Request for Disaster Declaration dated June 10, 2022, outlines the impacts of derecho storms, straight-line winds, tornadoes, and flooding, which affected communities across the state. While the federal government eventually approved disaster aid, the incident underscored the challenges of balancing state autonomy with the need for coordinated emergency response.

Climate change experts warn that such events are likely to become more frequent and severe, necessitating proactive measures to mitigate risks. A 2023 report by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) found that the U.S. experienced 28 climate-related disasters in 2022 alone, each causing over $1 billion in damages. South Dakota, though not typically associated with the most extreme climate impacts, has seen a rise in heavy precipitation events and flooding, particularly in the southeastern part of the state.

Critics argue that Noem’s rejection of