Gov. Noem signs pipeline bills into law

South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem signs three pipeline bills into law.

That includes he main bill dealing with carbon capture pipelines, SB201.

It had been touted as a “compromise bill” on carbon capture pipelines but was opposed by some landowners.

It gives local governments some say over setbacks on pipelines, but the PUC would have the final word. The bill also says the pipeline owner must pay a fee of one-dollar per foot of pipeline in an affected county. Half that money is required to go to property tax relief.

Another bill establishes a $500 fee to be paid to landowners when a pipeline of any type wants to survey a property.

The third pipeline bill caps easements for carbon pipelines at 99 years and withdraws the easement if construction doesn’t begin five years after a permit is granted or there is a five-year gap in the use of the pipeline.

March 8, 2024