SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) – The South Dakota House of Representatives has voted to temporarily pause any construction of carbon dioxide pipelines in the state.

In a 40-30 vote, the House passed House Bill 1085. 

The bill’s prime sponsor, Republican Rep. Richard Vasgaard said The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration is changing the final federal pipeline safety rules. This bill would prohibit any pipeline construction until those laws are published. 

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The pipeline safety rules that are expected to be implemented include increased surveys, advanced leak detection technology, reducing the volume of gas emissions and establishing clear criteria for repairs. 

Despite the bill passing, Republican Rep. Lana Greenfield was the only person other than Vasgaard to speak in support.

“We don’t know what’s gonna happen with the pipeline, but any chance that we have to protect our citizens and put on the brakes, we should approach very cautiously,” she said. 

Representatives in opposition were concerned about closing the state off from opportunities and when exactly the paused period on construction would actually end.

“I can tell you once something gets thrown in a moratorium with these people, it never comes back out,” Republican Rep. Kent Roe said. 

Republican Rep. Mike Weisgram said he is opposed to the idea that an unelected body like the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration determines the timing of when the rules are published. 

“Thousands of South Dakotans are invested in the process of this project, and if this bill passes, uncertainty is added to cloud the open-for-business mantra for the state of South Dakota,” Weisgram said. 

House Bill 1249

Lawmakers also passed House Bill 1249, which would protect landowners from deception, fraud, harassment, intimidation or threat when acquiring easements. The bill passed with a 36-24 vote. 

The bill’s prime sponsor, Republican Rep. Kaley Nolz, said the bill was brought forward after landowners had negative experiences when carbon dioxide pipeline companies harassed them. 

“It is a leveling of the playing field and specifically laying out the types of actions that we will not condone in this state and will not tolerate, as well as providing a clear process for the consequences and allowing our courts to determine what, if anything, is appropriate,” Nolz said. 

The burden of proof is fully on the landowner and they must bring the case forward within 12 months of the mistreatment, she added. 

“I will stand any day of the week with the farmers and ranchers that are being abused in this way, litigation is intimidation,” Republican Rep. John Hughes said. “How are these people supposed to defend themselves when there’s not even a legal basis in fact or law in South Dakota to defend the case?”

Representatives in opposition said South Dakota already has a law on the books that protects landowners from intimidation and harassment.