Mandisa Monroe
10/26/2025 1:47 PM
- Earth Advocate 📣
Environmental Justice and Community Impact in South Dakota
Environmental degradation in South Dakota disproportionately affects Indigenous nations, rural landowners, and communities near vulnerable water systems. The Standing Rock Sioux Tribe faces significant threats to treaty lands and water quality from projects such as the Dakota Access Pipeline (DAPL), which continue to raise environmental and cultural concerns (Harvard Environmental and Energy Law Program, 2025). Rural landowners are also impacted by carbon pipeline construction, which has led to disputes over eminent domain and land rights (South Dakota Searchlight, 2025).
These groups experience the cumulative effects of industrial expansion, water contamination, and loss of land sovereignty. Pollution in the Big Sioux River and weakened wetland protections following the Sackett decision further endanger ecosystems and public health.
References
Environmental degradation in South Dakota disproportionately affects Indigenous nations, rural landowners, and communities near vulnerable water systems. The Standing Rock Sioux Tribe faces significant threats to treaty lands and water quality from projects such as the Dakota Access Pipeline (DAPL), which continue to raise environmental and cultural concerns (Harvard Environmental and Energy Law Program, 2025). Rural landowners are also impacted by carbon pipeline construction, which has led to disputes over eminent domain and land rights (South Dakota Searchlight, 2025).
These groups experience the cumulative effects of industrial expansion, water contamination, and loss of land sovereignty. Pollution in the Big Sioux River and weakened wetland protections following the Sackett decision further endanger ecosystems and public health.
To support affected communities, individuals can advocate for stronger state-level environmental impact assessments, participate in public hearings, and promote sustainable land and water management. Engaging in local conservation efforts—such as water quality monitoring and river cleanups—empowers communities to address environmental injustice collectively. Protecting South Dakota’s ecosystems and respecting Indigenous sovereignty are essential steps toward a just and sustainable future.
References
Harvard Environmental and Energy Law Program. (2025). Pipeline litigation and Indigenous environmental justice. https://share.google/PTxMNG8u7EcKsbAuU
South Dakota Searchlight. (2025). South Dakota lawmakers debate the eminent domain ban on carbon pipelines. https://share.google/3quNw3KPDUMxZybx9
