(Spirit Lake)– A spokesman for Summit Carbon Solutions says a bill in South Dakota being signed into law by that state’s Governor banning the use of eminent domain for their project isn’t stopping them from moving forward. Scott O’Konek, Project Manager for Summit Carbon Solutions, read a statement to that effect while giving an update at today’s (Tues.) Dickinson County Board of Supervisors meeting…
“While this presents obstacles, our project moves forward in states that support investment and innovation and we will have more news on that soon. The Governor has made it clear that HB 1052 targets one company, Summit Carbon Solutions. It’s unfortunate that a piece of legislation has been framed around a single company rather than addressing broader infrastructure and economic policy. As far as legal action, all options are on the table, but we remain focused on working with stakeholders to support the long term success of the ethanol industry and support the President’s goals of American energy dominance.”
A number of people at today’s (Tues.) meeting again expressed opposition to the pipeline, which would pass through eastern Dickinson county. Supervisor Chair Bill Leupold noted the concerns, but said whatever happens from here is out of their hands…
“This board has set up rules and regulations for in this county and to be quite honest with you, they’re not worth much because the Iowa Utility Board dictates what can and can’t happen. For example, I doubt that you would get one vote on this board that supports eminent domain, and yet the IUB says yeah, go ahead.”
O’Konek says to his knowledge, Summit Carbon Solutions still plans to start construction next year.
