Affirming the state's rejection of carbon dioxide pipelines and urging President Donald Trump to avoid interfering with the Summit Carbon Solutions carbon dioxide pipeline through exercise of federal eminent domain powers.
Summary
House Concurrent Resolution 6004 is a nonbinding legislative statement opposing the use of eminent domain for carbon dioxide pipelines and carbon capture and sequestration projects in South Dakota. It specifically references the Summit Carbon Solutions pipeline and urges President Donald Trump not to use federal eminent domain authority to interfere with state and local opposition to such projects. The resolution frames the issue as one of property rights, local control, and resistance to federal involvement in energy and climate policy.
The resolution also declares opposition to using state funds to promote carbon capture and sequestration and calls for alternative approaches that would require meaningful consultation and consent from affected landowners and communities. In addition to condemning eminent domain for these projects, it supports legislation to protect property rights and increase legislative oversight of administrative rules. The measure does not itself change statutory law, but it expresses the Legislature’s position and urges action by state and federal officials.
Impact
Because HCR6004 is a concurrent resolution, it does not amend the South Dakota Codified Laws or create enforceable legal requirements. Its practical effect is political and advisory: it signals legislative opposition to carbon dioxide pipeline projects, especially those relying on eminent domain, and it encourages future legislation limiting such takings and strengthening oversight of administrative rulemaking. The resolution also seeks to influence federal decision-making by urging the President to avoid using federal eminent domain powers in support of carbon capture projects.
Sentiment
The available vote history suggests the resolution was narrowly supported, passing adoption in the House by a 34-33 vote, indicating a sharply divided chamber. The text and vote pattern reflect strong support among opponents of carbon capture pipelines and eminent domain use, particularly those emphasizing private property rights and local autonomy. At the same time, the close vote indicates substantial resistance from members who likely viewed the resolution as overly partisan, unnecessary, or hostile to carbon capture and related energy policy.
Contention
The main point of contention is whether carbon dioxide pipelines and carbon capture projects should be allowed to use eminent domain to acquire private land. Supporters of the resolution argue that such projects amount to federal overreach, threaten property rights, and may not deliver clear environmental benefits. Opponents are likely to have concerns about the resolution’s broad condemnation of carbon capture, its criticism of federal climate policy, and its attempt to direct or influence federal action, especially given the economic and energy-policy interests tied to the Summit Carbon Solutions project. The resolution’s language also reflects ideological disagreement over climate policy, federal tax credits, and the role of government in energy development.