Opponents of proposed carbon capture pipelines that would cut through South Dakota held a rally today (June 6, 2023) at the state Capitol in Pierre, and their message was clear: They want Governor Kristi Noem to call a special session of the legislature to reform the state’s laws regarding the use of eminent domain.
Two companies, Summit Carbon Solutions, and Navigator CO2 Ventures, have proposed multi-state pipelines that would run across South Dakota, taking CO2 from partner ethanol plants and moving it to underground storage in North Dakota and Illinois. Carbon dioxide is a by-product of the ethanol production process.
The current route for Summit Carbon Solutions’ pipeline would go through Brown County farmer Jared Bossly’s land. He says it’s time state leaders took action to support private property owners.
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Ed Fischbach (fish-back) farms in northern Spink County. He says the eminent domain issue could have been remedied during this year’s legislative session with the passage of HB 1133.
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South Dakota House Minority Leader Oren Lesmeister of Parade says people wanting eminent domain reform must stick together.
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Representative Karla Lems of Canton says this week’s Independence Day holiday is a reminder of what they’re fighting for.
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Around 300 people attended today’s rally. Last week (June 29, 2023), Summit Carbon Solutions released information saying they’d reached the 70% mark for voluntary land easements in South Dakota and project-wide.