South Dakota Farm Bureau and South Dakota Corn Growers Association Announce Support for 67% Eminent Domain Threshold

The South Dakota Farm Bureau (SDFB) and the South Dakota Corn Growers Association (SDCGA) today announced their support for a requirement that CO2 pipeline companies secure voluntary easements for at least 67% of the pipeline before invoking eminent domain.

“This threshold offers a balanced approach,” said Taylor Sumption, President of the SDCGA. “The South Dakota Corn Growers Association respects landowners, and this compromise is intended to help empower individuals to improve their bargaining position. A reasonable path forward is not 0% nor is it 100% agreement. We look forward to engaging in a discussion that includes the many landowners who have chosen to enter into a voluntary agreement. SDCGA also opposes House Bill 1052 as it sets the requirement at 100%.”

“Private property rights are the cornerstone of South Dakota Farm Bureau,” said Scott VanderWal, President of SDFB. “That’s why SDFB’s grassroots members voted at the beginning of the carbon pipeline conversation to support a 67% threshold for voluntary easements before eminent domain can be used. This balanced approach was reached through collaboration among Farm Bureau members with differing views on the pipeline. Farm Bureau looks forward to finding solutions that support value-added opportunities and that respect individual landowners.”