BREAKING: South Dakota PUC denies Summit CO2 pipeline application on first day of hearings (Audio)
September 11, 2023
FORT PIERRE, S.D.–The South Dakota Public Utilities Commission (PUC) has voted to deny the Summit Carbon Solutions Pipeline on the first day of hearings. The proposed line would run through northeastern South Dakota.
The proceedings started with a bang as PUC staff made a motion to deny the permit without further hearings. Staff Attorney Kristen Edwards pointed to last week’s ruling by the PUC that they would not preempt county setback ordinances. Edwards says the proposed route would fail in four counties…
Summit lawyer Brett Koenecke says this project is going to be built and it has broad support…
Acting Commissioner Josh Haeder made the motion to deny. That was supported by Acting Chair Gary Hanson…
The Commission then voted 3-0 to deny the permit. Commission Chair Kristi Fiegen recused herself from these hearing due to a conflict of interest.
Joy Hohn is an impacted landowner from Minnehaha County. She said, “We are so grateful to the PUC commissioners for standing up for their constituents! They made the right decision for the future of South Dakota. We are also thankful to them for upholding our county ordinances!”
Ed Fishbach is an impacted landowner in Spink County. Fischbach said, “This is a great day for people over big money. Thankfully our commissioners and staff followed the law and denied Summit’s permit. It is a great day for the people of South Dakota!”
