Hansen not giving up on eminent domain legislation (Audio)

February 13, 2024

PIERRE, S.D.–Opponents saw their hopes dashed for the second year in a row as the dream bill of landowner advocates, intended to halt construction of a carbon pipeline across eastern South Dakota, suffered defeat in the Legislature.

Rep. Jon Hansen of Dell Rapids introduced House Bill 1219, aiming to prohibit carbon dioxide pipelines from utilizing eminent domain for construction purposes. If passed, it would likely spell the end for Summit Carbon Solutions’ carbon pipeline plans in eastern South Dakota. Specifically, the bill targets companies transporting carbon for “geological storage or sequestration,” directly challenging Summit and its plans to sequester carbon into the ground in North Dakota.

Hansen emphasized the bill’s intent to allow pipeline construction but without unjustly condemning private property.

Utility companies raised concerns about the bill’s unintended consequences for common utilities like water and electricity. Steve Willard, Executive Director of the South Dakota Electric Utility Companies, cautioned against disrupting the state’s business environment.

Hansen expressed intentions to smoke the bill out on the House floor, a legislative maneuver that would allow the full House to debate it despite its defeat in committee.

Hansen said in a statement. “It needs a full hearing on the floor and landowners across this state need the protections this bill offers them.”