The Midwest is blessed with such an abundance of windy terrain, especially in the Great Plains states of North and South Dakota, Iowa, Minnesota and Nebraska – so much so that it is sometimes referred to as the “Saudi Arabia of wind energy.”  South Dakota ranks fourth in the U.S. in renewable energy potential, with a potential power output of 117,200 MW. South Dakota has just begun to tap its outstanding wind resources. As of January 2004, South Dakota had only 44.48 MW of installed and projected wind energy capacity, and no new wind projects planned.

South Dakota should harness its abundant wind resources, rather than investing money in a new coal burning power plant. Plans for the proposed Big Stone II coal plant near Milbank, South Dakota call for using massive amounts of water. In addition to the 3.2 billion gallon surface draw approved last year, co-owners have now filed for another 3.2 billion gallons from groundwater. With concerns about pollution growing and spiraling costs for the proposed coal plant, excessive water demands add another reason for concern. This huge demand for water could be disastrous for the local area and farmers - as well as Big Stone Lake.

Instead, the state should be investing in clean, abundant, renewable energy sources to meet the needs of the residents of South Dakota, and thereby avoiding further damage to air and water resources in the state.