To the Editor:

I am a young farmer with a family, who has deep roots in the land, who has seen both the potential for a CO2 pipeline and a state penitentiary.

I was born, raised and even married on this particular piece of land that has been targeted.

I, along with other neighbors, attended the press conference in Sioux Falls this week, announcing the launch of South Dakotans First.

We came to listen about the pipeline, and also to become more informed about eminent domain. Folks in our parts have spent the past year fighting a proposed carbon dioxide pipeline that would run directly through their land, and now a new project - a penitentiary - is being proposed.

My primary concern isn’t just about losing our ability to farm this land. It’s about the long-term consequences. As a young farmer, this is very worrisome for my family’s future and all the families in the surrounding areas.

Our community is organizing and fighting for what is right for our families and their futures, just as those in the South Dakota First coalition.

Our goal is the same; we believe it is time to put South Dakotans First.

Sam Eiesland
Canton