You may have heard that Deb Haaland (Laguna Pueblo) transitioned out of her role as the US Secretary of the Department of Interior and announced her candidacy for Governor New Mexico. Her successor, former North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum, is steadfast in carrying out Trump’s Executive Order 14154 “Unleashing American Energy” which aims to accelerate mining and drilling on federal and Tribal lands.

On February 3rd, Doug Burgum released this document which outlines all the revoked projects and programs intended to protect land and the people; giving a pathway for mining companies to hit the ground running across Turtle Island. 

In the Black Hills, the sacred lands of the Lakota Peoples’, mining and drilling companies aren’t hesitating to cash out. Currently, South Dakota House Bill 1258 is under consideration by the House Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee, where it will come to a vote this Thursday, February 13th. Community members and citizens of the area were given just six days’ notice. 

WHAT IS HB 1258?

The passage of South Dakota House Bill 1258 would hold lithium mining to the same standards and laws as silver and gold. Under the current law, lithium mining is treated like mining for sand and gravel, and there are not enough protections for human health, food systems, water, wildlife, and the land. 

HB 1258 would offer more accountability and appropriate processes for mining companies that would better protect the land, the people, and the economy of the Ȟesápa. NDN Collective, alongside partner the Black Hills Clean Water Alliance, collaborated to spread the word as fast as possible, calling on relatives to swiftly take action ahead of Thursday, February 13th.