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Private property rights a concern in SD

The president of the American Farm Bureau Federation says private property rights for farmers and ranchers continue to be challenged across the country.

Zippy Duvall tells Brownfield using eminent domain to build carbon pipelines or other energy projects is the wrong approach.

“I’ve heard a lot of talk around the edges about the pipeline, but I see the issue all over the country, not just about the pipeline, but also, solar, he says. “Think about how much good land is going under solar panels.”

He says the government should not be allowed to dictate who farmers sell their land to or set the price paid for land. And Duvall says the carbon pipeline debate must be addressed locally.

Last week, 250 people gathered in Pierre, South Dakota to protest the two carbon pipelines that are being built in the state. Protesters asked lawmakers and Governor Kristi Noem to call a special session to address the issue but Noem said it was up to state lawmakers to do that. No session has been called yet.

South Dakota Farm Bureau President Scott VanderWal says the South Dakota Public Utilities Commission will hear appeals from pipeline companies in early fall.

“Basically, they look at whether the companies followed the rules and jumped through all the hoops.”

VanderWal says SDFB has not taken a stance on the carbon pipelines, but there is strong policy in place protecting the property rights for those who do and do not want to sign easements for projects.

Duvall was in South Dakota last week to discuss the farm bill, Waters of the United States and private property rights with South Dakota Farm Bureau members.