Brown County commissioners have been asked to join a coalition of sorts in an attempt to change eminent domain regulations in South Dakota.
Dennis Feickert made the request during the commission’s Tuesday, June 13 meeting at the Brown County Courthouse.
Feickert, a former county commissioner and state legislator from rural Aberdeen, said McPherson County commissioners approved a resolution in opposition to the use of eminent domain to benefit private companies. He distributed copies of the resolution during the meeting and asked if Brown County would consider approving something similar.
No action was taken by the commission.
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The McPherson County resolution specifically cites opposition of the use of eminent domain for a carbon dioxide sequestration pipeline proposed by Summit Carbon Solutions. Simply put, it’s against “eminent domain for public gain,” a phrase that was used a few times at Tuesday’s Brown County meeting.
Pipeline opponents seeking support from county commissioners
Feickert said there’s also a movement to get two commissioners from each of the 18 South Dakota counties the Summit pipeline could run through to join forces and oppose the use of eminent domain by private businesses.
Pipeline opponents at the meeting stressed the significance of protecting private property and the rights of landowners.
“What’s mine apparently isn’t mine anymore,” said Freddie Robinson, who owns property near the proposed pipeline route.
State Rep. Carl Perry, R-Aberdeen, said farmers must be protected because there’s nothing more important to South Dakota than agriculture. He said he expects a push in the Legislature to reform eminent domain regulations.
Commissioner Mike Weise said it’s probably time for the state to review its trespassing laws as well.
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Summit plans to build a 2,000-mile pipeline through five states that would store carbon emissions from ethanol plants underground in western North Dakota. The estimated costs is $4.5 billion.
In other action, the commission:
- Told Scott Meints, Brown County emergency management director, that he can proceed with a proposed awards program. It would recognize helpful employees, residents, volunteers, first responders and businesses for their work with plaques.
- Approved a fireworks permit for June 30 at Brown County Speedway.
- Set the first meeting in July for Thursday, July 6 because Tuesday, July 4 is Independence Day.