By Scout Nelson
The South Dakota Farm Bureau (SDFB), the South Dakota Corn Growers Association (SDCGA), and the South Dakota Soybean Association (SDSA) have united in support of HB 1186. This legislation, which sailed through the House with a 40-24 vote on February 8, 2024, introduces an annual compensation of $1 per linear foot for landowners hosting CO2 pipeline easements.
Dave Ellens, President of the SDCGA, expressed the organization's commitment to valuing landowners' rights. "We're backing solutions that honor landowners' contributions. It's only right that they receive a payment if a pipeline crosses their property," Ellens remarked.
Echoing this sentiment, Scott VanderWal, President of SDFB, highlighted the organizations' long-standing advocacy for fair treatment of landowners. "We've always believed that those impacted by pipeline projects deserve a fair share of the profits. This annual payment is a step towards that fairness," said VanderWal.
Kevin Deinert, President of SDSA, emphasized the importance of protecting landowners while securing a sustainable future for soybean farming families. "The linear payment model for pipeline access is crucial for ensuring landowners are compensated fairly and can continue their vital role in agriculture," Deinert stated.
This collaborative endorsement from three of South Dakota's major agricultural associations underscores the agricultural community's dedication to safeguarding the interests and profitability of landowners affected by the development of carbon pipelines.
Photo Credit -gettyimages-jessicahyde
Categories: South Dakota, Government & Policy