The Fifth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, states that the government may only exercise the power of eminent domain to take private property from citizens if they pay just compensation to the property owners and it is for the public use.

The use of eminent domain by a private company is unconstitutional and unacceptable, let alone for something like carbon-dioxide sequestration, or the long-term storage of CO2 underground.

But that’s exactly what’s happening to hundreds of East-River South Dakota landowners; and what’s worse, it’s “legal” under South Dakota law! (SDCL § 49-7-13)

In fact the law states:

“Any pipeline companies owning a pipeline which is a common carrier as defined … may exercise the right of eminent domain in acquiring right-of-way as prescribed.”

That’s why we’re urging every South Dakotan to stand with us in saying: “NO EMINENT DOMAIN FOR PRIVATE GAIN!” and signing our petition now.

Honorable Public Utilities Commissioners:

We the people of South Dakota and the United States affirm our rights to the U.S. Constitution to our right to own and enjoy our property, and to be protected from the taking of that property, unless by our duly elected government for the greater public use and with just compensation as guaranteed under the Fifth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution and pursuant to the SD Constitution Article 6 § 13.

The current actions by the private pipelines, operating under the unjust and unconstitutional statutes, is dispossessing your citizens of their rights and property to the greater detriment of our great state, and must be stopped.

We urge you now to revoke all permits and authorizations allowing the construction or use of eminent domain by such pipelines immediately.

SIGNED

Sign your petition today!

BUT DON’T STOP THERE!

Once you’re done signing our petition to the PUC, take the time right now to tell them in your own words why you’re opposed to this egregious theft of private property by out-of-state corporations! 

Because there should be NO EMINENT DOMAIN FOR PRIVATE GAIN!

Contact the PUC Commissioners Yourself!

Make sure to only use “your name” in the YOUR NAME field. This tells the PUC Commissioner who’s contacting them.

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