South Dakota's Growth Begins With Education

My vision for South Dakota's future is clear and achievable. I believe South Dakota's goal is to make energy research and development the baseline for jobs that will align with our largest SD industry, agriculture, and keep our water and air clean, skies blue and our open spaces pristine for generations to come.

Education

First class education from pre-school through doctorate programs in science, math, agriculture, and engineering, must be South Dakota's priority. The best way to attract our children to math and science is to show them through on-going career opportunities where they live. SDSU began research into solar and wind energy many years ago, opening the window to larger grants and investment dollars to further their studies. Our education system will attract people from around the US for our pioneering and comprehensive academic system. Education will be a fundamental industry of SD.

Industry

SD is 4th in the nation for potential wind power. For several years, SD universities and businesses have been delving into renewable energy from feedstock development to means of converting sunlight into electricity. There is much to learn but successes have already been achieved. Ultimately, South Dakotans could pay about $5.5 million less each year for electricity. The energy industry's compatibility with agriculture will continue to position farming as the cornerstone of the energy marketplace for commercial application.

Investment

South Dakota benefits from a clean research industry where business will partner with SD agriculture and universities with increased funding for like ventures by local and out of state investors. And like ethanol, SD developed companies and partnerships will keep profits in state for growth and re-investing in South Dakota. Home grown businesses such as those building wind turbine blades, the trailers to haul the turbines across country, and the mechanical turbine parts are part of South Dakota's brilliant future.

Jobs

Jobs and education are the key to SD pulling out from the back of the pack to become a leader in wind and solar power, innovation of new products that will enhance lives and pave the road for an incredible advancement into the 22nd century. Jobs from hands on lab experiments, product development, cost analysis, and production, to management, maintenance, manufacturing, and support businesses, will afford young people a job with a secure future. The last 10 years SD has realized a 7.9% growth in jobs with renewable energy. We could see 5000 new, clean energy jobs in South Dakota.