North Dakota officials on Wednesday approved a letter to Minnesota regulators warning that the state’s recent carbon-free energy standard may be unconstitutional.

The Minnesota Legislature in 2023 adopted a policy requiring utility providers in the state to use exclusively carbon-free electricity sources by 2040. The rule applies not only to electricity produced in-state, but also electricity that comes from across state lines.

The North Dakota Industrial Commission — which comprises Gov. Doug Burgum, Attorney General Drew Wrigley and Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring — fears the plan could put the state’s coal and gas industries in jeopardy. Minnesota is a major consumer of North Dakota energy, the North Dakota Lignite Energy Council told the North Dakota Monitor previously.

The Industrial Commission early last year sent a letter to Minnesota’s governor urging the state to make significant changes to the policy.

In its most recent letter, dated Wednesday and submitted as public comment to the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission, the Industrial Commission argues the state’s energy plan is unlawful in three main ways.

First, it claims the policy violates the federal Commerce Clause because it attempts to regulate the commercial activity  of another state. It argues that the law conflicts with the Federal Power Act because it seeks to restrict wholesale electricity sales.

North Dakota also makes the case that the plan illegally tries to regulate carbon dioxide emissions from power plants, which it claims is a power given by the Environmental Protection Agency under the federal Clean Air Act.

A footnote in the letter states that North Dakota reserves the right to pursue legal action or other means of challenging the policy in the future.

North Dakota successfully took Minnesota to court over a similar energy policy the state passed in 2007. That law made it illegal for Minnesota to purchase energy from any new out-of-state coal plants.

A federal district court judge in 2014 struck down the law, finding that it unconstitutionally regulated the economies of other states. An appeals court in 2016 upheld that decision.

The 2023 policy “represents yet another improper attempt by Minnesota to export its wholly internal energy policy decisions to its neighboring states in patent violation of those states’ own rights and sovereignty,” the Industrial Commission stated in its letter.

The letter urges Minnesota to consider electricity produced using carbon capture technology as partially or fully compliant with the new rules so that North Dakota energy companies can retain Minnesota customers.

“Failure to properly include (carbon capture, utilization and storage) and other similar technologies as ‘carbon free’” means the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission is “parochially and arbitrarily narrowing the definition of ‘carbon free’ to only those energy generation technologies that do not emit any carbon dioxide whatsoever, and exclusively to those that can be implemented within the borders of Minnesota.”

Like Minnesota Reformer, North Dakota Monitor is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. North Dakota Monitor maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Amy Dalrymple for questions: [email protected]. Follow North Dakota Monitor on Facebook and X.

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (Dakota News Now) – A local nonprofit is increasing its scope to help families devastated by flooding.

There are so many people in the area who have lost everything that makes their house a home because of flooding and the Furniture Mission is expanding to help.

There’s something special about living in this part of the world.

“We have that Midwest nice, always wanting to help out and be a helping hand to those that are in need,” said Executive Director and CEO Janean Michalove.

The Furniture Mission is reaching beyond its South Dakota service area and Michalove said their team decided to include more who are starting over.

“All of northwest Iowa and parts of Minnesota for families who have lost everything by flooding,” Michalove said.

If you have extra furniture, this could be the time to share.

“Donating couches, beds. Any household furniture items are always needed. Coffee tables and end tables and lamps, pots and pans and dishes and silverware,” Michalove said.

A Furniture Mission truck can pick up what you don’t need and deliver items to those who do.

Eighty-eight-year-old volunteer Dale Thorpe sees the whole team as a caring group.

“People here are super nice. They’re special and they’re my friends I’ve been doing it; I’m in my fourth year,” Thorpe explained.

On the deliveries, Thorpe sees the gratitude of those receiving furniture. He recalled a man who requested items for his kids and pregnant wife. On delivery day, Thorpe realized the man’s call to the Furniture Mission was among the last calls of his life.

While many fundraisers are underway, the established local non-profits are ensuring donations get to the right place.

“Trusting a nonprofit to step up to help you to decentralize those types of donations, on a great channel to make sure that we’re getting everybody what they need and getting everybody back to back in action,” Michalove said.

If you’re in need, you can contact 211 in South Dakota and they can connect you with help from the Furniture Mission and other local nonprofits in Sioux Falls.

Copyright 2024 Dakota News Now. All rights reserved.

All caregivers in the state can access free resources at home

PIERRE, S.D., June 27, 2024 /PRNewswire/ –The South Dakota Department of Human Services (SD DHS) has partnered with Trualta, the leading online learning and support platform for family caregivers, to offer South Dakota caregivers free education and support. Caregivers can sign up at sd-caregivers.trualta.com.

“SD DHS’s Division of Long Term Services and Supports is excited to offer on-demand trainings and resources to help families and caregivers build the skills and confidence to provide care for their loved ones at home,” said Lesley Farmen, Administration of Community Living (ACL) Program Administrator and State Dementia Coordinator.

Trualta’s innovative education platform offers short lessons on many caregiver skills, including fall prevention, medication management, and bathing. It also offers virtual support groups and webinars. Trualta helps families caring for loved ones with conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease or dementia, an intellectual or developmental disability, heart disease, diabetes, a recent stroke, and more.

“We are thrilled to offer our family caregiver education platform in South Dakota,” said Jonathan Davis, Trualta CEO. “This is a significant step forward in our mission to empower caregivers with invaluable knowledge and support, deepening our commitment to help as many caregivers as possible to better manage challenging care situations at home.”

There are an estimated 80,000 unpaid family caregivers in South Dakota, and they are at risk for anxiety, depression, and burnout. To learn more visit sd-caregivers.trualta.com.

About the South Dakota Department of Human Services

The mission of the South Dakota Department of Human Services (SD DHS) is to enhance the quality of life for people with disabilities and those who are aging. Department staff work with individuals, families, and SD DHS partners to help individuals learn about available services and how to access them. In partnership with its stakeholders and through its five divisions, SD DHS helps individuals meet the goals they set for the life they want.

About Trualta

Trualta is the leading family caregiver education and support platform, helping caregivers build skills, improve confidence, and feel less isolated. It offers on-demand articles and videos, and virtual support groups, to help improve at-home care and reduce caregiver burnout. Trualta partners with healthcare payers and providers, and government and social service organizations to bring its evidence-based offering to families. 

CONTACT: Allison Becker, [email protected]

SOURCE South Dakota Department of Human Services