The deadline looms for the petition drive to refer SB 201 to South Dakota voters.
Concerned citizens across the state are gathering signatures of those who believe the issue should be placed on the ballot this fall.
The deadline to turn in all signatures is June 24, 2024. The group hopes to gather about 25,000 signatures, which will give them a few thousand extra in case of errors.
Senate Bill 201, which sparked significant debate during the 2024 legislative session, takes away the rights of townships and counties to establish pipeline and electrical line “setback” limits that are more restrictive than the South Dakota Public Utilities Commission’s setbacks. For example, Brown County approved a 1,500 foot setback for carbon pipelines going past residences and places of business. If the SD PUC grants Summit Carbon Solutions a permit, and establishes a smaller setback than 1,500 feet, the state setback will override the county setback.
Tina Mulally, a Rapid City small business owner and District 35 Representative serves as the treasurer for South Dakota Property Rights and Local Control Alliance, a group overseeing the petition effort.