Public meetings set on carbon pipeline permit, citizens and legislators plan rally to oppose

PIERRE, S.D. – While South Dakota voters rejected a bill that denied the use of eminent domain by companies wanting to build a carbon dioxide pipeline in the state, that doesn’t mean efforts to construct a controversial pipeline won’t continue.

The South Dakota Public Utilities Commission has scheduled a series of six public input meetings in January about Summit Carbon Solutions’ application for a permit to construct a carbon dioxide pipeline. The meetings are scheduled for January 15-17, 2025, at various locations in eastern South Dakota near the proposed pipeline route.

Iowa-based Summit Carbon Solutions plans a 25-mile, $9 billion pipeline to capture carbon dioxide from 57 ethanol plants across five states, including eastern South Dakota, and transport it to North Dakota for underground storage. The project would capitalize on federal tax credits incentivizing the prevention of heat-trapping carbon emissions.

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“The purpose of the public input meetings will be to hear public comments regarding the application and the project,” the commissioners said in a written order. “At the meetings, Summit will present a brief description of the project, after which interested people may appear and present their views, comments, and questions.”

Following are dates and locations.  All times are central time.

Wednesday, Jan. 15 in Mitchell at the Performing arts Center at 10a.m.

Wednesday, Jan. 15 in Sioux Falls at Southeast Technical College at 5p.m.

Thursday, Jan. 16 in De Smet at the Event Center Theater at 11:30a.m.

Thursday, Jan. 16 in Watertown at the Event Center at 6p.m.

Friday, Jan. 17 in Aberdeen at 10:30a.m. at the Dakota Event Center

Friday, Jan. 17 in Redfield at 6p.m.at the school auditorium

In related news, legislators and citizens in favor of eminent domain reform will gather at noon central time, in Pierre, Tuesday, January 13^th on the eve of the legislative session to show  support for private property rights.

The meeting will be in the state capitol rotunda.

Amanda Radke, a rancher and professional ag speaker will address the crowd, along with legislators including Representative Karla Lems, Senator elect Mark Lapke and Representative Jon Hansen, and farmer Ed Fishbach. Radke’s 10-year-old daughter Scarlett will speak as well.

Radke said the event will kick off a legislative session that she hopes results in eminent domain reform.