LETTER | Ethanol industry will survive without pipeline
Have the symptoms of carbon dioxide (CO2) exposure already reached the people of South Dakota? Symptoms include rapid breathing, confusion, increased cardiac output and elevated blood pressure.
South Dakota does not have a CO2 problem. It has a low production of CO2 through natural fermentation of corn at the Ethanol plants. So why the debate on the CO2 pipeline? It all started with the U.S. Department of Energy offering billions of government tax dollars for carbon reduction intended for lowering the CO2 content in the earth’s atmosphere by cleaning up the pollutants from large fossil fuel-burning refineries.
VIEWPOINT: A bright future exists for ethanol and corn production, if we allow it
The ethanol industry did not create such a scheme. It has always been profitable, and will continue to be profitable, and is the least CO2 producing fuel currently in the business. It was all built with the help of landowners, farmers and environmentalists to create a lasting fuel solution.
Along comes the proponents who work on ways to fleece the government programs with their idealistic offering of immediate riches, only with the intent of fattening their own wallets.
First, they start by finding loopholes in any laws or obstacles that may cause interference to operate. Second, they try to change our laws to eliminate the local and state governing bodies they feel will obstruct their project. Third, they offer money in advance to any individuals, not well informed on the CO2 pipeline project, hoping to leap frog a projected pipeline path. Last but not least, the use of Eminent Domain to consume private property with no regards to South Dakota property owners and local governments, the environment or its natural resources along the projected pipeline path.Â
We sit through meeting after meeting and listened to those pushing for this CO2 pipeline, hearing how their rights are being obstructed. Meanwhile they are taking away our property rights as individuals who oppose eminent domain.
Our elected officials say they cannot change rules in the middle of the game. What game? This is individuals’ livelihood we are talking about. Nothing in this project is set in stone, no permits have been filed, no pipe has been placed in the ground and no safety precautions have been put in place. Nothing.
This project does need special attention for the good of the people. East or west, rural or residential, improper use of eminent domain will affect everyone in the state as well as local governments.
Our representatives can change and create laws and define the use of eminent domain in South Dakota to protect the citizens of this great state. Eminent domain was intended for governments to take private property and put it to public use. The taking of private property by private companies for private financial gain does not qualify. CO2 is not an energy product. CO2 is not something every individual can use daily, as is water, electricity, highways, oil, parks, schools, etc.
We are asking for a level playing field in not allowing the use of eminent domain that takes away our property rights.
Dennis and Carol KappermanÂ
Minnehaha County
The House committee of commerce and energy will hear SB201 this week that removes local control from regulating pipelines - please contact them to oppose it.
Private money making companies should not be given the right to take land by eminent domain. It would set a very dangerous precedent.
I would be interested in finding out the names of all the SD investors that will make huge profits if this goes through. (Dakota Scout? Put your investigator caps on). We all know one of the main proponents for this: Casey Crabtree works for an energy company. How much will that company profit if this passes?
We should not take away local control!!
VERY well written Dennis & Carol.
Many of our elected legislators are bowing down to big money. How very sad dollar signs outweigh community safety.