To the Editor:

We’re writing to voice concerns about CO2 pipelines. We’re not anti-pipeline or anti-ethanol, but CO2 pipelines aren’t good for farmers or South Dakota. Our parents farmed for many years and we’ve farmed for 40-plus years. Many South Dakota farms are 5th and 6th generation farmers. They were started by their great-great-grandparents who came to our country to get away from what is happening in our great state today.

Summit wants you to sign a 100-year easement. Some of the things Summit won’t tell you is it’s not for public use. It will devalue your land, the CO2 is pressurized and is an asphyxiant and will harm everything within a four-mile radius when it ruptures. Will our hospitals and first responders be prepared for this type of disaster? There’s already been a rupture in Mississippi that sent several people to the hospital.

Why should a private company be allowed to use eminent domain? Summit only wants the CO2 pipeline for the 45Q tax credits. We know plants need CO2 to grow, so why do we want to capture it? Let the corn and beans use it or plant more trees.

China is one of Summits foreign investors. Are we not trying to keep China from getting our land? We have checked with our farm insurance and they will not cover a hazardous pipeline, the landowner will be responsible for a rupture or any other damage to the pipeline. Millions of gallons of water will be used every year; what will this do to the aquifers? Also there is talk of taking away local control, because Summit doesn’t like the set-backs that have been made. Landowners aren’t allowed to plant trees, build a house or cattle lots near the CO2 pipelines.

Let’s keep S.D. safe and free from CO2 pipelines!

Kevin and Crystal Page
Artesian