South Dakota Voters Reject Senate Bill 201 on Carbon Pipelines
- Voters in South Dakota overwhelmingly voted against Senate Bill 201, impacting future carbon dioxide pipeline projects.
- The bill was designed to ease the construction of a major pipeline project by the Summit Carbon Solutions.
- The vote reflects a strong community stance on maintaining local control over land use decisions.
On November 5, 2024, South Dakota voters decisively voted against Senate Bill 201, which aimed to streamline the construction of carbon dioxide pipelines by reducing local regulatory authority. This legislation was primarily designed to facilitate the Summit Carbon Solutions pipeline project, a 2,500-mile initiative intended to transport carbon emissions from 50 ethanol plants in five states to underground storage in North Dakota. As a result, pipeline companies will face increased local hurdles for future construction. Proponents argued the pipeline is crucial for the agricultural sector, claiming it would enhance the viability of ethanol production and potentially support the transition to sustainable aviation fuel. Critics, including landowner advocates, contended that the bill primarily benefited the pipeline company, compromising local control over land use and zoning decisions. The outcome signifies a significant setback for Summit Carbon Solutions as they plan to reapply for a permit in South Dakota in the near future, while local residents express concerns about maintaining their rights in the face of large-scale industrial projects.