Pierre, SD (September 11, 2023) – The South Dakota Freedom Caucus is celebrating a significant victory for the rights of South Dakota citizens. The South Dakota Public Utilities Commission (PUC) recently denied the applications of Summit Carbon Solutions and Navigator Pipelines, affirming the constitutional rights and property of the people of South Dakota.

SD Freedom Caucus Chair Aaron Aylward

“Today is a big day for the people of South Dakota,” said Chairman of the South Dakota Freedom Caucus Representative Aaron Aylward, “The PUC’s decision to deny these applications is a victory for every landowner who has been threatened by the unconstitutional use of eminent domain. Many South Dakotans have been fighting for this, and it’s gratifying to see justice served.”

The South Dakota Freedom Caucus has been at the forefront of this battle, actively opposing the use of eminent domain by private companies. On Friday, September 8th, the Caucus sent out nearly 10,000 robocalls to 18 legislative districts. The robocalls encouraged constituents to call their Representative or Senator to demand a special legislative session aimed at addressing the use of eminent domain by private entities and other related private property rights issues.

SD Freedom Caucus Vice-Chair Tony Randolph

Vice-Chair Representative Tony Randolph added, “This decision reaffirms what we’ve been saying all along: private companies should not have the power to seize South Dakotan land for their own gain. We will continue to stand with our constituents and fight for their rights.”

In addition to the robocalls, the Caucus directed faxes, emails, and other communications to the Governor, the Public Utilities Commission, and fellow legislators, urging them to take action on this critical issue over the last several months.

SD Freedom Caucus Treasurer Tina Mulally

“The PUC’s decision sends a strong message that the voices of South Dakotans won’t be ignored,” Freedom Caucus Treasurer Representative Tina Mulally said emphasizing the broader implications of the PUC decision, “We will not allow out-of-state corporations to trample on our rights and our land.”

While the South Dakota Freedom Caucus is celebrating today’s victory, they say the fight is far from over. The Caucus remains committed to advocating for a special legislative session or bringing legislation this next session that protects citizen’s constitutional property rights, and to prohibit the types of violations the Freedom Caucus alleges were imposed by the carbon pipeline companies during this process from happening again.