Pipeline “compromise” bill survives House committee, heads to House floor

PIERRE, SD (KELO.com) — A controversial Carbon Capture Pipeline bill has cleared its first hurdle in the South Dakota House.  It removes much of the power for siting and safety regulations from local governments – placing it in the hands of the state Public Utilities Commission.  House Majority Leader Will Mortenson is a co-sponsor.  He calls it the South Dakota way to participate in interstate commerce.

Pipeline opponents contend the bill and the pipeline project violate their rights as private property owners.  The committee approval sets up a showdown on the full House floor.