(Pierre, SD) — A bill to increase regulations for lithium mining in the Black Hills failed in committee. House Bill 1258 would have required more environmental reviews and public input before issuing permits, similar to hard rock mining. Supporters argued for stronger oversight, while opponents, including the Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources, said current regulations are adequate. The House Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee deadlocked 6-6, ending the bill’s run, though its sponsor plans to reintroduce it next session.
