Ethanol cooperative Glacial Lakes Energy has made a second $400,000 contribution to support a Nov. 5 ballot question in South Dakota regarding carbon dioxide pipelines. This brings the total contribution from the cooperative to $800,000. Referred Law 21, the ballot measure in question, aims to establish financial and other protections for landowners and counties affected by carbon dioxide pipelines transporting emissions to North Dakota for underground storage.
The law requires pipeline companies to cover damages, bury CO2 pipelines at least 4 feet deep, and share rupture modeling data. It also allows counties to collect up to $1 per linear foot of pipeline for property tax relief and road repairs. Ethanol producers, including Glacial Lakes Energy, see carbon pipelines as crucial to their survival and have contributed a total of $2.7 million in support of the ballot measure.
Opponents of Referred Law 21 argue that it places burdens on local governments rather than pipeline companies and lacks safeguards against potential hazards like leaks and the use of eminent domain. They have raised about $224,000 for their campaign. South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem, who has investment ties to ethanol and energy companies, signed the bill that led to the ballot measure and is a supporter of the Summit project that involves the carbon pipelines.
Overall, the debate over Referred Law 21 highlights the complex interests and concerns surrounding the transportation and storage of carbon dioxide emissions in the state. Residents will have the opportunity to weigh in on this important environmental and economic issue at the ballot box on November 5.
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