Letter to the Editor:

Date:

            Eminent Domain should be reserved for public utilities and public infrastructure such as new highways and bridges that benefit all. Summit Pipeline is seeking to use eminent domain to force landowners to give up a portion of their land for their shareholders' profits.

            They are suing South Dakotans in McPherson County because the land owners have denied this private, foreign backed company from coming on to their land to survey it for their personal use. Summit plans to cash in on Federal money (taxpayers money) as part of a green package utilizing carbon credits.

            When other private companies want to do business they either need to own the land or lease the land from a landowner. Why should this be any different? Can you imagine any other business doing the same?

            Let's say an auto mechanic shop wants to open up in town but there isn't any commercial land available. So they go to the PUC and get authorization to eminent domain a portion of the golf course to put up their garage. Then they need a place to dispose of their used oil so they use eminent domain to put a septic tank in your backyard to drain their oil into for storage. The idea is crazy and it doesn't become a good idea when the land owners are farmers or hunting lodges.

            To make matters worse the billions of dollars they will be making is coming straight out of the pockets of you and I. The carbon dioxide in the pipeline is problematic as well. When it leaks it can starve livestock, wildlife or people of oxygen.

            First responders will find themselves walking to the scene as their vehicles will stop running as the co2 levels rise. They will all need special equipment and special training. Right now our volunteer firefighters are in serious need of new radios that cost $8,000 each.  This is where our tax dollars should be going, to properly equip our first responders so they can communicate during emergencies.

            Why task them with additional burdens all so some private company can make their investors and foreign interests super rich? Something doesn't add up.

            I stand with the land owners and I would hate to see who will come knocking  to use your land next if we set this precedent of eminent domain for private gain go through.

-Nichole Cauwels; Brandon, SD

Share post:

spot_img

Related articles

South Dakota Public Schools Coalition – Public Education Funding 

Educational funding for public schools in South Dakota is governed by state law. Specifically, Section 13-13-10.1(5) of the...

Public broadcasting is a vital partner

By Jim Speirs, Executive Director, Arts South Dakota In a state as large and diverse as South Dakota, no...

Letter to the Editor: No to vouchers

Dear South Dakotans, We are writing to our friends and neighbors as representatives of education-focused organizations. Our organizations are...

Letter to the Editor: RL 21

            Frustration. That best describes my feeling about the vote on RL 21 (formerly known as Senate bill...

Log In

Latest articles

PUC advises to Call Before You Dig

The South Dakota Public Utilities Commission recognizes April as National Safe Digging Month and encourages South Dakotans to...

Plahn vs Jacobson in City Council Ward 2 seat race

The City of Garretson had several seats coming open this election season, though only one seat will be...

Maras takes over as new Minnehaha County Highway Superintendent

By Dave Baumeister, County Correspondent SIOUX FALLS – The “interim” was dropped from his title when Jacob Maras was named...

Garretson School Board approves contracts for McGregor and Hoekman, amends contract of Superintendent Johnson

The Garretson School Board had a Special meeting on Monday, March 31. After two hours in executive session the...

4th Grade Wax Museum brings history to life!

Garretson Elementary 4th graders have been delving into biographical history, and the culmination of their project was a...

ROD announces resignation; commissioners accepting applications for unexpired term

SIOUX FALLS – Minnehaha County Register of Deeds Amanda Halsey has announced her resignation effective July 4.  Elected in...
s2Member®