HB1052 is the right thing to do
IN SOUTH DAKOTA, "NO THANK YOU" IS A FULL SENTENCE.
I urgently ask the South Dakota Senate to pass & Governor Larry Rhoden to sign in support HB1052. It's the PEOPLE'S BILL, and it's the right thing to do.
Three and a half years ago, a bad actor wanting to build a privately-owned carbon sequestration pipeline came into the state of South Dakota and started treating the people very, very badly, in my opinion.
If you only knew the countless stories of impacted landowners, it would break your heart in a million pieces, as it has mine.
- 160 landowners sued, their family farms/ranches condemned.
- Counties sued, and now even an elected official is being targeted.
- Lives put on hold. Time, money, and stress. It's relentless. It's cruel. And enough is enough.
We never wanted this. We never asked for this. All we wanted was to be able to raise our kids, build our businesses, run our agricultural enterprises, be good to our neighbors, and be left alone to live in peace in pursuit of our own American dreams.
But unfortunately, politicians carrying the water for this company have allowed this bad behavior to continue for far too long. The cries of the people have been ignored in favor of appeasing the donor class. It's shameful, and it's wrong.
But through it all, the landowners have taken the high road, and they been consistent in their respectful ask of our elected officials:
1. Protect our God-given, Constitutionally-protected private property rights.
2. Maintain local control because governing decisions are best made close to home by people invested in their communities.
3. Absolutely no eminent domain for carbon pipelines.
It's time. It's time to provide much-needed relief to the landowners. It's time to answer the mandate given by we the people. It's time for a commonsense solution to an ongoing problem. It's time to do the right thing for agriculture, for family farms and ranches, for the people of South Dakota, and for freedom.
Build your pipeline, but don't forcibly attain your easements. Build your pipeline, but negotiate in good faith with an even playing field between a company and a landowner. Build your pipeline, but let the people say, "Yes, I want to participate," or "No, thank you. Please, go around."
Without question, HB1052 is the right thing to do.
Contact the Senate today and ask for the swift passage of HB1052. The People's Bill is currently waiting its hearing date in the Senate State Affairs committee, and your voice is needed!
Standing together in solidarity with my fellow South Dakotans because fighting for what is right is what we do and who we are.
God bless,
Amanda Radke
Wife, Mother, Rancher, Business Owner, Impacted Landowner
Mitchell, South Dakota
