PIERRE, S.D. – In conjunction with the 7th Annual National Clean Energy Week (NCEW), Governor Kristi Noem issued a proclamation celebrating September 25-29, 2023, as Clean Energy Week in the state of South Dakota.  

“Thank you, Governor Kristi Noem, for joining us in celebrating National Clean Energy Week 2023,” said Heather Reams, chair of NCEW and president of Citizens for Responsible Energy Solutions (CRES) Forum. “Affordable, reliable, and clean energy has become an issue on the minds of Americans across the country, from Main Street to Wall Street. In South Dakota, clean energy is creating jobs, reducing emissions, and having a positive community impact. Clean Energy Week is an opportunity to celebrate the advancements made by industry leaders and advocates in South Dakota and across the country.”   

“The state of South Dakota supports an all-inclusive energy portfolio because affordable energy is the backbone of a strong economy,” said Governor Kristi Noem in her proclamation. “South Dakota has achieved this incredible level of renewable energy production, not because of government mandates, but because we responsibly take care of the natural resources that God has so richly blessed us with and trust in the freedom and personal responsibility of our people.”  

In the proclamation, Governor Noem recognizes that the clean energy sector provides over 13,000 jobs in South Dakota and that renewable resources make up 82 percent of the state’s total electricity produced. Over half of that renewable energy comes from wind power followed by hydropower. The state is also the fifth largest producer of fuel ethanol in America, producing around eight percent of the nation’s total production.

Last year, Governor Noem joined nearly three quarters of the nation’s governors in issuing proclamations to recognize NCEW in their respective states. Learn more about the state proclamations here. 

NCEW was founded in 2017 as a bipartisan forum to recognize the numerous advantages clean energy production provides to local communities, from economic growth and job creation to lower emissions and a healthier environment. The week contains engaging educational programming such as the Policymakers Symposium—three days of programming—convening elected officials, business leaders, advocates, policymakers, investors, and trade associations from all perspectives who are dedicated to advancing clean energy. Journalists can register for the NCEW Policymakers Symposium HERE.

For more information about NCEW, including sponsorship opportunities, remote and in-person events, and registration for the Policymakers Symposium, visit the NCEW website at www.nationalcleanenergyweek.org.  

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