Private, for-profit companies are trying to invoke eminent domain so they can install dangerous carbon capture pipelines throughout the Corn Belt. They want to capture carbon dioxide emitted by ethanol plants and transport it through thousands of miles of pipeline to exhausted oil and gas wells in North Dakota, so they can frack the wells and extract more of those commodities.
On April 18 in Aberdeen, South Dakota, the Brown County Planning & Zoning Committee held a meeting about these pipelines. The committee debated an ordinance dictating a setback distance of 1,500 feet from property lines, and there were more than 2 hours of debate. South Dakota farmer Mark Lapka brings us highlights from that meeting and what is in store for him and fellow landowners should the pipeline companies get their way.