RAPID CITY - U.S. Rep. Stephanie Herseth Sandlin says Greenpeace's unfurling of a huge global warming banner at Mount Rushmore National Memorial on Wednesday was "outrageous."

She says it was unproductive for the environmental group to pose a security risk, harm the Mount Rushmore visitor experience and waste taxpayer dollars at the monument.

Herseth Sandlin says climate change is an important issue requiring serious debate but that Greenpeace's approach was a "dangerous publicity stunt."

Eleven people pleaded not guilty to trespassing. A 12th person was released without being charged.

In 2007, the South Dakota Democrat was named to the House Select Committee on Energy Independence and Global Warming.