The South Dakota Farm Bureau and the South Dakota Corn Growers Association have come out in support of a requirement that CO2 pipeline companies secure voluntary easements from at least 67% of the landowners along their pipeline before being able to invoke the use of eminent domain.
Corn Growers President Taylor Sumption said 67% offers a “balanced approach.” He said SDCGA respects landowners and this compromise is intended to help “empower individuals to improve their bargaining position.”
Additionally, Sumption said the Corn Growers oppose House Bill 1052 because it sets a 100% requirement for voluntary leases. He said a “reasonable path forward is not 0% nor is it 100% agreement.”
Farm Bureau President Scott VanderWal said private property rights are the cornerstone of his organization. He said at the beginning of the carbon pipeline conversation in South Dakota, Farm Bureau members with differing views held discussions and reached agreement on the 67% voluntary lease threshold before eminent domain could be used.
Both Sumption and VanderWal say their groups look forward to finding solutions that support value-added agriculture opportunities in the state, while also respecting the rights of individual landowners.
