Pipeline company squares off with eminent domain opponent tonight in highly-anticipated debate

Hundreds expected to turn out in Brookings for forum with Rep. Jon Hansen, Navigator CO2's Elizabeth Burns-Thompson

Debate week is here.

And while the national news media is abuzz about the first GOP presidential debate taking place this week, it’s a debate about pipelines and eminent domain that's captivating the attention of South Dakotans.

The Dakota Scout and a pair of political organizations will hold Property Rights & CO2 Pipeline Debate this evening in Brookings, featuring Dell Rapids attorney and lawmaker Jon Hansen and Navigator CO2’s Elizabeth Thompson-Burns.

Navigator is one of two companies planning carbon sequestration pipelines through South Dakota. And while Navigator has not used forced taking of land to facilitate the advancement of its project, Summit Carbon Solutions has. And that’s caused tension between the companies, landowners, lawmakers and the ethanol industry that produces that carbon slated to be transported through the pipelines.

RELATED: Here's the list of South Dakota lawmakers who want a special session on eminent domain, carbon pipelines

And the highly-anticipated debate, to kick off at 7 p.m. in the Dacotah Bank Event Center, marks the first organized debate on the topic not associated with any public hearing or formal proceedings.

“Talk of pipelines, eminent domain and property rights have become commonplace at South Dakota dinner tables of late, and having a conversation with key players from both sides of the issue will help our friends and neighbors learn more about this consequential topic,” said Joe Sneve, co-founder of The Dakota Scout. “So we’re grateful to both Rep. Hansen and Ms. Burns-Thompson for their willingness to answer questions in the open for everyone to hear.”

Moderating the 60-minute debate will be Sara Frankenstein, a Rapid City attorney who served as special counsel to the Legislature’s state House impeachment committee in 2021 and 2022 involving then-Attorney General Jason Ravnsborg.

The debate forum has seating for 500 with additional standing room. Admission is free.

The South Dakota Federation of Republican Woman as well as the Sioux River Republican Women are also hosts of the debate.

“We aim to offer an open and respectful exchange of ideas on one of the most pressing issues of our time, and our goal is to provide a platform for informed discussions that will help our community better understand the complexities of these critical matters,” said Kerri Wagner, president of Sioux River Republican Women. “The goal of the debate is not to suggest which position is ‘good’ or ‘better’ – the goal is simply to allow both sides to speak directly to the public and explain their side’s position.”

The debate will not be streamed or viewable remotely in real time. However, follow The Dakota Scout’s Austin Goss on X (formerly known as Twitter) for updates and check back to TheDakotaScout.com for coverage immediately following the debate. A video replay of the debate will also be made available Wednesday morning at TheDakotaScout.com.

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