By House Bill 1052 protects the rights of landowners
For two years, politicians have ignored landowners’ pleas for common sense eminent domain reform.
South Dakota claims to care about property rights, but isn’t protecting them. House Bill 1052 is our chance. It would prevent the use of eminent domain for pipelines that carry carbon oxide.
Property rights are fundamental to South Dakota family farms and ranches and cherished by citizens from Sioux Falls to Rapid City. HB 1052 is a bipartisan issue that should have unanimous support. Enough of big government’s heavy hand propping up for-profit companies who abuse the extreme power of eminent domain without regard for the people.
MORE: Aberdeen Insider letters to the editor, guest column policy
Recently, 49 of 68 state representatives voted to pass HB 1052. That included 100% of House Democrats and a large majority of Republicans. We are extremely grateful to them for standing for the foundational importance of protecting property rights, constitutional rights and local control. These are truly issues that unite us across the political spectrum. The 2024 primaries and the resounding Referred Law 21 victory in November sent a message statewide that voters are fed up with doing nothing when it comes to these issues. Yet, 19 Republicans in the House still didn’t get the message.
Democrats must maximize the opportunity to stand with landowners and the tribes along with like-minded Republicans in a bipartisan way to support rural communities. Continually falling in line with RINOS that blindly vote to put the almighty dollar ahead of citizens’ rights is a losing move. In a bipartisan way, all Democratic senators should join with fellow Republicans and vote yes on HB 1052 in committee and on the Senate floor.
Both party platforms support this bill. Passing HB 1052 is the right thing to do.
-Ed Fischbach, Mellette
MORE: Your letters: Writers have concerns Northern State basketball, Noem’s education funding plan
Concerned about Northern State men’s basketball team
What in the world has happened to the Northern State University Wolves men’s basketball team?
This season has been a huge embarrassment to our university and our community. I feel truly sorry for the student-athletes who chose to attend Northern State with the hopes of building their skills while being in a winning culture. I wonder what our former coaches and players think — those who took us to the top.
Our university deserves better. Our community deserves better. And our fanbase deserves better.