South Dakota House Advances Bill Banning Eminent Domain for Carbon Pipelines

The South Dakota House voted 49-19 to advance House Bill 1052, banning the use of eminent domain for carbon dioxide pipelines, which prevents companies from forcibly acquiring land easements. Bill sponsor Rep. Karla Lems argued the legislation protects property rights, emphasizing that it does not stop carbon pipelines but removes the coercive power of eminent domain. Opponents, including several lawmakers, warned that the bill could harm economic development, particularly for a planned $1.5 billion ethanol plant that requires a carbon pipeline for viability. They expressed concerns that the legislation could discourage future energy infrastructure projects. Supporters highlighted the need to ensure landowners' rights while opponents cautioned against the potential economic fallout for the state's ethanol industry. The bill now moves to the Senate for further consideration.