Senate approves ban on eminent domain for carbon‑oxide pipelines after days of debate

The South Dakota Senate passed House Bill 10‑52 on March 3, 2025, prohibiting the use of eminent domain to acquire rights‑of‑way for pipelines whose preponderant purpose is transporting carbon oxides.

Senator Lapke, the bill sponsor, told colleagues the measure is intended to protect property rights, saying it would require “good faith negotiations” by private developers and “is not a ban” on projects but rather a demand that acquisitions be voluntary.

Why it matters: Supporters said the bill protects landowners from being compelled to give up property for private projects. Opponents argued the measure could block infrastructure projects that proponents say would benefit ethanol producers and corn farmers and could disadvantage South Dakota in…