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Articles by Ray Ring
Tony Davis, Author at High Country News
Skip to content Posted inOctober 2025: Limits to Growth A groundwater crisis halted the construction of thousands of homes and pitted affordability against environmental concerns. Posted inAugust 1, 2021: A Mega-Dairy Comes to the Desert Minnesota’s Riverview Dairy has deep pockets and long straws. Posted inJune 24, 2019: Losing Lake Coeur d'Alene Pressured by higher-ups, a Fish and Wildlife field supervisor smoothed the way for a 28,000-home development along a fragile Arizona river.
SD Food Tax Contributes State’s Very Regressive Tax Structure
In a recent issue of the Plain Talk, Mayor Jon Cole stated that exempting food for home consumption from the sales tax would mean we have to find other revenue sources. As someone who studied and researched sales taxes in South Dakota and other states for more than 40 years and taught courses on taxation for 33 years, I would like to make some observations.
History is full of big fires
Ray Ring May 26, 2003 From the print edition Like Tweet Email Print Subscribe Donate Now Note: This article is a sidebar to this issue's feature story, "A losing battle." "Investigating the ... arid lands, I passed through South Dakota, North Dakota, Montana, Washington, Oregon, and Idaho by train. Among the valleys, with mountains on every side, during all that trip a mountain was never seen.
Wolf at the door
Now that the West's top predator has reached civilization's back porch, managers face some agonizing decisions Ray Ring May 27, 2002 From the print edition Like Tweet Email Print Subscribe Donate Now Wolf Sherm Spoelstra HANDS-ON MANAGEMENT: Carter Niemeyer and Doug Smithprepare to radio collar two wolves from the Swan Lake Pack inYellowstone National Park William Campbell WATCHFUL EYES: International interest has added a newpolitical dimension to the wolf recovery program.
‘The environment … is where we live’
A New Mexico neighborhood offers a case study in the successes, and failures, of the environmental justice movement Arla Shephard and Ray Ring Feb. 1, 2010 From the print edition Like Tweet Email Print Subscribe Donate Now The neighborhood of Mountain View, just south of Albuquerque. Residents thought they had won a victory when they got the county to shut down this former race track. But the concrete recycling facility that replaced it isn't any better.
A Different Veto Day
Each year, the Legislature schedules one last day to consider the governor. This year’s Veto Day on March 30 turned into much more. During the roughly two weeks between the regular session and Veto Day, the coronavirus pandemic struck with a vengeance. In response, the Legislative Research Council staff arranged for us to “meet” remotely over the internet. The Speaker of the House made a very compelling case against a few die-hards who challenged the constitutionality of meeting outside the Capitol.
New-Found Money Gives Budget Increases To State’s ‘Big Three’
This was the last week of the regular 2020 Legislative Session. We will probably have a Veto Session on March 30. First an update on a bill I discussed last week. Senate Bill 157 makes it easier to obtain a county conditional use permit and harder to protect their property from environmental concerns like manure spills, odors, and other forms of pollution.
The Budget: What’s In It, What’s Not
This was the last week of the regular 2020 legislative session. We will probably have a Veto Session on March 30. First, an update on a bill I discussed last week. Senate Bill 157 makes it easier to obtain a county conditional use permit and harder to protect their property from environmental concerns like manure spills, odors, and other forms of pollution.
Bill Weakens Faculty At USD, Other Regent’s Institutions
First an update on a couple House bills that I discussed in previous reports. House Bill 1262, which would put new requirements on municipal utilities that annex land and take over some of the service area of a rural coop (REA), easily passed the House a couple weeks ago. I voted against it because I think it will make economic development more difficult for the municipalities. The Senate Commerce and Energy Committee tabled it this week.
‘Education Takes Another Hit’
First an update on a couple House bills that I discussed in previous reports. House Bill 1262, which would put new requirements on municipal utilities that annex land and take over some of the service area of a rural coop (REA), easily passed the House a couple weeks ago. I voted against it because I think it will make economic development more difficult for the municipalities. The Senate Commerce and Energy Committee tabled it this week.
A Summary Of A Few Of This Week’s Bills
By Rep. Ray Ring District 17 This was "crossover week" which means all bills had to be defeated or passed out of the "house of origin" by the end of the week. We did that this year without any long nights. I'll summarize a few of the bills that we dealt with this week. House Bill 1262, which I discussed last week, tries to reconcile conflicting interests of municipal electric systems and rural electric cooperatives.
Several Education Bills Heard In Pierre
This was “crossover week” which means all bills had to be defeated or passed out of the “house of origin” by the end of the week. We did that this year without any long nights. I’ll summarize a few of the bills that we dealt with this week. House Bill 1262, which I discussed last week, tries to reconcile conflicting interests of municipal electric systems and rural electric cooperatives.
‘Munis’ Vs. ‘Coops’
Another bill that’s important for Vermillion and Clay County is making its way through the legislative process right now. I listened to a couple hours of testimony on Friday afternoon before the House State Affairs Committee. (Fortunately, I didn’t plan to drive home last weekend anyway.) First, a little history. The Territorial Act of 1975 divided up South Dakota land into service areas for providing electricity.
HB 1099 Would Have Been Band-Aid; More Comprehensive Action Needed
I opposed an important bill this week, even though local officials lobbied me heavily to support it. You deserve an explanation. Here's an edited version of my speech on the House floor. House Bill 1099 would have authorized county commissioners to impose a county sales tax of up to one-half percent, to fund the construction or repair of county buildings (such as courthouse, jail, exhibition buildings, etc.). Any such increase would automatically be referred to a vote of county residents.
My Vote Against A County Sales Tax
I opposed an important bill this week, even though local officials lobbied me heavily to support it. You deserve an explanation. Here’s an edited version of my speech on the House floor. House Bill 1099 would have authorized county commissioners to impose a county sales tax of up to one-half percent, to fund the construction or repair of county buildings (such as courthouse, jail, exhibition buildings, etc.). Any such increase would automatically be referred to a vote of county residents.
LGBTQ Community Seems To Be Targeted In Pierre This Session
Last week I discussed House Bill 1057, called the “Vulnerable Child Protection Act.” The bill would ban a long list of medical procedures intended to help transgender children, and fine or imprison medical professionals who performed the procedures. The bill stirred up much controversy, including media stories around South Dakota and the nation—and the Cracker Barrel in Vermillion. The Committee on State Affairs voted the bill out of committee 8 – 3.
Transgender Bill Stirs Early Controversy
By Rep. Ray Ring D-District 17 (Vermillion) After hearing the State of the State, State of the Judiciary, and State of the Tribes addresses that I described last week, the Legislature usually spends the next week or so dealing with straightforward, mostly noncontroversial matters that have come up since last session. True to form, we have already passed several bills unanimously this session. Not so true to form, things got very interesting very quickly this week.
Governor’s State Of State Address Lack Details, New Ideas
Time to report on this year’s legislative session. Thank you again to the people of Clay and Turner counties for allowing me to represent you in Pierre. Legislators are limited to four two-year terms, so this is my last Legislative Session. I plan to somehow stay involved in politics and other types of service, but Mary and I also plan to spend more time traveling and visiting our six grandchildren and four children. I am again serving on the Education Committee and the Taxation Committee.
Openers: What Noem’s Address Didn’t Say
Time to report on this year’s legislative session. Thank you again to the people of Clay and Turner counties for allowing me to represent you in Pierre. Legislators are limited to four two-year terms, so this is my last legislative session. I plan to somehow stay involved in politics and other types of service, but Mary and I also plan to spend more time traveling and visiting our six grandchildren and four children. I am again serving on the Education Committee and the Taxation Committee.
Gov. Noem’s ‘Style Or Form’ Vetoes Clearly Made Substantive Changes
The final day of the 2019 Legislative Session was Veto Day, March 29. We had dealt with two regular vetoes during the regular session. Senate Bill 14 would have expanded the Public Utility Commission's ability to regulate solar energy facilities. Gov. Noem thinks these expansions are unnecessary and the Senate sustained her veto, so the House didn't even consider it. The House voted to override Gov. Noem's veto of House Bill 1191, the industrial hemp bill, but the Senate failed to override the veto.
Veto Day Comes To Legislature
The final day of the 2019 Legislative Session was Veto Day, March 29. We had dealt with two regular vetoes during the regular session. Senate Bill 14 would have expanded the Public Utility Commission’s ability to regulate solar energy facilities. Gov. Noem thinks these expansions are unnecessary and the Senate sustained her veto, so the House didn’t even consider it. The House voted to override Gov. Noem’s veto of House Bill 1191, the industrial hemp bill, but the Senate failed to override the veto.
Funding Found For Nursing Homes, CSPs
Things stayed interesting during Week 10 of the 2019 Legislative Session. Gov. Noem requested extensive amendments to House Bill 1191, the hemp bill, and the Senate accepted most of them. She still vetoed the bill just a few hours after the House concurred with Senate amendments. The governor claims that the state is unprepared to enforce the law, but we need a law and the ability to enforce it, whether or not it's legalized in South Dakota.
An Interesting End To The ‘19 Session
Things stayed interesting during Week 10 of the 2019 legislative session. Gov. Noem requested extensive amendments to House Bill 1191, the hemp bill, and the Senate accepted most of them. She still vetoed the bill just a few hours after the House concurred with Senate amendments. The governor claims that the state is unprepared to enforce the law, but we need a law and the ability to enforce it, whether or not it’s legalized in South Dakota.
Senate Suspends Rules To Allow Governor’s Bills
Things got more interesting during Week Nine of the 2019 Legislative Session. Each year we have deadlines for submitting bills, but this year they made a notable exception. After all deadlines had passed, the Senate "suspended the rules" to allow introduction of two new bills, Senate Bill 189 and SB 190. SB 189 establishes a new crime called "riot boosting" and provides heavy fines for people who commit it.
2019 Session Heads Down To The Wire
Things got more interesting during Week 9 of the 2019 legislative session. Each year, we have deadlines for submitting bills, but this year, they made a notable exception. After all deadlines had passed, the Senate “suspended the rules” to allow introduction of two new bills, Senate Bill 189 and SB 190. SB 189 establishes a new crime called “riot boosting” and provides heavy fines for people who commit it.
There Were A Few ‘Wins’ This Week
By Rep. Ray Ring District 17 Thanks to all the involved citizens who came to the Cracker Barrel at Vermillion City Hall on Saturday. Week 8 of the 2019 Legislative Session has come and gone, with a few "wins" to report. House Bill 1232 would have lowered the mandatory age for school attendance from age 18 to 16. Despite very limited supporting testimony and strong opposition, the House Education Committee passed the bill.
Some Victories To Report In Pierre
Thanks to all the involved citizens who came to the Cracker Barrel at Vermillion City Hall on Saturday. Week 8 of the 2019 Legislative Session has come and gone, with a few “wins” to report. House Bill 1232 would have lowered the mandatory age for school attendance from age 18 to 16. Despite very limited supporting testimony and strong opposition, the House Education Committee passed the bill.
Editorial drift
Ray Ring March 4, 2019 From the print edition Like Tweet Email Print Subscribe Donate Now I’m concerned about HCN running a 10-page comic book as the cover story in the magazine (“Nizhóní Girls”). I have nothing against comic books. When I was a kid, I enjoyed the debut of Spider-Man in 1963. As a young man, I enjoyed the revolutionary underground comic books of the late 1960s and 1970s, such as R. Crumb’s Mr. Natural.
Several Disappointments In Seventh Week Of Session
This seventh week of the 2019 Legislative Session saw several disappointments. South Dakota health insurance companies recently found a loophole that they are using to deny coverage for Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), which can dramatically and cost-effectively improve the lives of children with autism. Despite compelling testimony by many parents and others involved, the House State Affairs Committee rejected HB 1236, which would have closed that loophole.
A Disappointing Week In Pierre
This seventh week of the 2019 legislative session saw several disappointments. South Dakota health insurance companies recently found a loophole that they are using to deny coverage for Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), which can dramatically and cost-effectively improve the lives of children with autism. Despite compelling testimony by many parents and others involved, the House State Affairs Committee rejected HB 1236, which would have closed that loophole.
Public Education Under Attack At This Year's Session
Week 6 of the 2019 Legislative Session has come and gone, with some interesting bills again commanding our attention, discussion, and debate. It seems like every session some group comes in for intense scrutiny, even attack.
Public Education Is Under Attack
Week 6 of the 2019 legislative session has come and gone, with some interesting bills again commanding our attention, discussion and debate. It seems like every session, some group comes in for intense scrutiny, even attack.
Lawmakers Choose Not To Conduct Study Of Tax System
The pace picked up in the Legislature during this fifth week as we handled bills that face more opposition and disagreement. The Taxation Committee, on which I serve, considered my bill proposing an interim task force to conduct an in-depth study of South Dakota's tax system. I think it’s time for a more comprehensive look at our tax structure and how it’s affecting the economy. We haven't had any kind of tax study since 1990.
A New Angle On A Food Tax Repeal
The pace picked up in the Legislature during this fifth week as we handled bills that face more opposition and disagreement. The Taxation Committee, on which I serve, considered my bill proposing an interim task force to conduct an in-depth study of South Dakota’s tax system. I think it’s time for a more comprehensive look at our tax structure and how it’s affecting the economy. We haven’t had any kind of tax study since 1990.
Ring Seeking Common Ground With Governor, Republicans
The fourth week of the 2018 Legislative Session is history. Many legislators waited for Gov. Noem's budget address in Week 3 before submitting bills. The submission deadline came this week; we have a total of 460 bills and about 40 commemorations and resolutions. That's below last year's total. In South Dakota, every bill that is introduced must be heard in a committee and voted on, so we have our work cut out for us over the next six weeks. In many states and in the U. S.
SD Gun-Permit Bill Generates Concerns
The fourth week of the 2018 legislative session is history. Many legislators waited for Gov. Noem’s budget address in Week 3 before submitting bills. The submission deadline came this week; we have a total of 460 bills and about 40 commemorations and resolutions. That’s below last year’s total. In South Dakota, every bill that is introduced must be heard in a committee and voted on, so we have our work cut out for us over the next six weeks.
SD Legislature Shifts Into A Higher Gear
We have just finished the third week of the 2019 Legislative Session. Most bills this week were to “clean up” out-of-date statutes, “clear-up” unclear passages, and “catch-up” with Federal law, technology, and other changes. Most pass unanimously or with limited opposition. We're shifting into a higher gear after Gov. Noem’s budget address on Wednesday. With a detailed look at her priorities and how she plans to fund them, we can find some common ground on her proposals.
Clearing Up And Cleaning Up In Pierre
We have just finished the third week of the 2019 legislative session. Most bills this week were to “clean up” out-of-date statutes, “clear up” unclear passages, and “catch up” with federal law, technology, and other changes. Most pass unanimously or with limited opposition. We’re shifting into a higher gear after Gov. Noem’s budget address on Wednesday. With a detailed look at her priorities and how she plans to fund them, we can find some common ground on her proposals.
Ring: I Need To Hear From You
The first week of this year’s Legislative Session has come and gone, so it’s time to report back. First, thank you to the voters of Clay and Turner counties for re-electing me last November, and thanks to all those who supported me in other ways. It is a privilege to represent you in Pierre. This is my seventh Legislative Session, the beginning of my fourth and last two-year term. I am again serving on the Education Committee and the Taxation Committee.
Online Tax Revenue Remains Uncertain
Early in each legislative session, we spend most of our time on bills dealing with matters that have arisen since last session, like keeping statutes in line with new technology, repealing obsolete statutes, and clearing up matters that have come up since last year. These are usually non-controversial and pass unanimously. I expect things to get more interesting — and contentious — soon.
The Session Gets Rolling
The first week of this year’s Legislative Session has come and gone, so it’s time to report back. First, thank you to the voters of Clay and Turner counties for re-electing me last November, and thanks to all those who supported me in other ways. It is a privilege to represent you in Pierre. This is my seventh Legislative Session, the beginning of my fourth and last two-year term. I am again serving on the Education Committee and the Taxation Committee.
Rebels with a Lost Cause
A movement of property-rights lawyers emerged from the sagebrush in the 1970s to fight a wave of environmental regulations. They are still fighting in courtrooms across the West, but their role remains ambiguous. Ray Ring Dec.
Tipping the scales
BILLINGS, Montana — The federal court here operates in a pale stone building, five stories tall, whose bulk and plainness make it appear a monument to impartial justice. Inside, the neutral style continues in U.S. Magistrate Richard Anderson’s courtroom: beige walls with no windows, dark wood furniture. The judge wears the ceremonial black robe. The courtroom feels like a sanctuary, as if any judge’s ruling here is pristine, shielded from all the pressures of the outside world.
Sidebar to the Nov. 9 cover story: Roadless-less, by Ray Ring. Cheyenne lawyer Harriet Hageman likes to dress in black and is proud of the Halloweenish title. She says an environmentalist bestowed it on her years ago in an angry letter to the editor. Hageman has been the fiercest and most effective opponent of the Clinton roadless forest rule. From 2001 to 2003, she worked for Wyoming's government as an "outside counsel" shaping the state's lawsuit against the roadless rule.
High Country News
Rebels with a Lost Cause The fiercely conservative lawyers of the Sagebrush Rebellion continue to fight against environmental regulations, but despite all their sound and fury, very little has changed on the public lands.
A Hell of an Anniversary
Ask Tom Bell, the man who founded High Country News 40 years ago, what keeps him going these days, and he rattles off a list of pills for dizziness, blood pressure and cholesterol, plus a diuretic and an antidepressant. “Don’t ever get old,” he says wryly. "It's terrible, awful." He's made it to 86, mostly thanks to the fire in his belly. An eye patch conceals a wound from a World War II bombing mission, where German flak blew out his right eyeball.
Top 10 reasons not to move to Bozeman
Ray Ring Dec. 30, 2013 Like Tweet Email Print Subscribe Donate Now In my role as a journalistic curmudgeon, today I'd like to tell you some of the drawbacks of living in a trendy Western town that often makes the Top 10 lists drawn up by the likes of Outside magazine, Entrepreneur magazine, and Livability.com. I'm talking about Bozeman, Montana – and how the conventional wisdom is only part of the story.
Champions go both ways
When Ned Farquhar was appointed to a key position in the Interior Department on April 7, the nation's biggest environmental group, the Sierra Club, seemed ecstatic. The agency has immense power over environmental policies in the West, managing 500 million acres of federal land, endangered species programs, mining and drilling leases. As the deputy assistant secretary for land and minerals, Farquhar will be "an environmental champion," gushed Sierra Clubber Matt Kirby in the Lay of the Land blog.
Defuse the West
An HCN investigation into violent threats to public-land employees, analysis of the newest movement to return public land management to state government, highlights of the upcoming midterm elections and more. Feature Editor's Note Current Essays Multimedia Book Reviews Heard Around the West Dear Friends Letters
Reports from the front lines
Someone fired seven rifle shots at a uniformed Forest Service fire-prevention employee driving an agency pickup in California’s Tahoe National Forest. “The firefighter reported seeing three (suspects) above the roadway on an open embankment, one of which was holding a rifle. ... The firefighter then observed (the rifleman) raise the rifle and point it at him inside his USFS vehicle. The firefighter quickly backed his vehicle away (and heard) two shots fired.
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