Controversial Pipeline Provision Removed as Expected

 A sign opposing carbon dioxide pipelines. (Seth Tupper/South Dakota Searchlight)

(BY: SOUTH DAKOTA SEARCHLIGHT STAFF) – A coalition of groups opposing a multi-state carbon dioxide pipeline celebrated the removal of controversial language from the budget reconciliation bill passed Thursday by the U.S. House.

Last week, the groups raised alarms about a provision they said would have allowed federal regulators to approve natural gas and carbon dioxide pipelines over prohibitions in state law.

South Dakota passed a law earlier this year that bans the use of eminent domain for carbon pipelines. Eminent domain is a legal process for gaining land access from unwilling owners, in exchange for compensation determined by a judge.

Chase Jensen, a senior organizer for Dakota Rural Action in South Dakota, was among the activists who called for the provision’s  removal.