Union Farmer Policy Meeting

Continued from Page 4 domain for private industry and for private use.

We support a bill in the next legislation session to require any company to have a state PUC permit in hand based on changing chapter 49 of the SDCL before eminent domain can be used.

Kirk Schaunaman, Aberdeen farmer, explains the reason he is in favor of.

Question: Tell us a bit about how this Special Order will help protect landowner rights?

Answer: When it comes to the CO2 pipeline, I think the issue is pretty simple. It comes down to landowner rights and safety.

I am in favor of this Special Order because eminent domain should be reserved for public projects not projects used for private financial gain at the taxpayers expense. Thestate Public Utilities Commission needs to have more authority in determining whether a project qualifies. And projects for private entities should not have the authority to go on private land to collect data until the PUC determines the project qualifies for eminent domain.

If this were the case today, Summit Carbon Solutions would not be taking samples from my land, and my neighbors’ land as we speak.

Special Order of Business #3 – PHIMSA guidelines

It is the responsibility of all levels of government to protect and ensure the safety of its citizens.

The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHIMSA) is the governmental agency to protect people and the environment by regulating the movement of materials through pipelines.

PHIMSA is currently holding public hearings and investigations concerning the risk and safety factors of transporting CO2 through pipelines.

South Dakota Farmers Union supports placing a moratorium at all levels of government, including local, state and national, on all CO2 pipelines until the PHIMSA guidelines has been released and implemented.

Kirk Schaunaman, Aberdeen farmer, introduced this Special Order.

Question: How does this Special Order promote safety?

Answer: Like I said earlier, this issue is about landowner rights and safety.

And I believe if the federal government’s agency focused on pipeline safety is currently investigating the safety of CO2 pipelines, then shouldn’t we wait – put a moratorium on installation of this CO2 pipeline – until the report is out and we can review its findings?

Isn’t a job of government to protect its citizens?

Why would we want to rush a project that may not be safe?

This Special Order says, “Let’s just tap the brakes, slow the process down and see what the research and experts have to say about the safety of these pipelines.”

Next steps? All suggested policy changes and Special Orders brought forth during the July 20 Policy Meeting will be voted on by members during the 2023 State Convention. In the meantime, because SDFU policy supports property rights, SDFU leadership team and lobbyist will work to encourage state policymakers to support and protect landowner rights. n By Lura

Roti for SDFU