To the Editor:

I am a husband, father of three and a certified organic farmer south of Madison. I share my story because it resonates with the stories of thousands of South Dakotans—farmers and property owners—who could find themselves facing a situation similar to mine.

My story is about the potential threat to the very future of my ability to farm and to the legacy that future generations could carry on. A proposed CO2 pipeline route is 250 feet from my mailbox and a mere 800 feet from the edge of my home.

As a father, my primary concern is the safety of my children. Consider the alarming risks of a carbon pipeline rupture—an explosive release of toxic CO2 gas, endangering not only our livelihoods but the lives of anyone in close proximity. The safety of our families is at stake, and that’s something we cannot afford to compromise. I firmly believe that the pipeline’s potential threats far outweigh any supposed benefits it claims to bring to our communities.

Additionally, the abuse of eminent domain laws by corporations is an injustice that strikes at the heart of property rights. No private entity should have the power to strip South Dakota landowners of their property rights, all while socializing risks and privatizing profits.

We must stand together against the exploitation of eminent domain, rallying to protect our rights as farmers, as parents, and as responsible citizens. That’s why I became involved with South Dakotans First—a collective effort to defend our communities and fight for the future that South Dakotans truly deserve.

In unity, we can safeguard our lands, our families, and our shared future. Let us work together to prioritize the well-being of South Dakotans. Together, we can put South Dakotans First.

Aaron Johnson
Madison