South Dakota Governor Bans Eminent Domain for Carbon Pipelines

South Dakota Governor Larry Rhoden has signed a bill (HB 1052) that prohibits the use of eminent domain for carbon dioxide pipelines, a move that protects landowners from involuntary land seizures. This legislation jeopardizes Summit Carbon Solutions' $9 billion pipeline project, which was intended to transport captured CO2 from several Midwest states to an underground storage site in South Dakota. Rhoden emphasized the need for Summit to rebuild trust with local landowners, who feel threatened by the project. Summit Carbon Solutions criticized the bill for targeting them specifically and for changing regulations mid-project. Supporters of the bill argue it safeguards property rights, while opponents claim it stifles necessary green energy infrastructure. The situation reflects a broader conflict between environmental initiatives and local property rights.