Carbon pipeline opponents win key vote, but maneuvering continues

Supporters on both sides preparing backup proposals

Sen. Jim Mehlhaff testifies on his Senate Bill 198. (Austin Goss/The Dakota Scout)

PIERRE — Dueling measures dealing with a carbon capture pipeline slated for construction across eastern South Dakota met opposite fates Monday morning.

And once again, opponents of Summit Carbon Solutions plan to build the carbon pipeline across roughly 2,500 miles came out on top.

The Senate State Affairs Committee advanced House Bill 1052 to the full floor of the Senate by a 7-2 vote, putting it on the doorstep of Gov. Larry Rhoden’s office. The measure, only a sentence long, would make carbon pipelines “transporting carbon oxide” ineligible to use eminent domain in the state. It cleared the House on a 49-19 vote in January.

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