The following guest post is a public news release:
SOUTH
DAKOTA ELECTED OFFICIALS SUPPORT GOLIATH
WHILE
CITIZENS SUPPORT DAVID
Citizen Protest
Against Private Foreign Companies Use of Eminent Domain
(Rapid City, SD) South Dakota elected officials
including Senator Thune, Representative Noem, Governor Daugaard, and the SD
Legislature continue to support TransCanada, a foreign corporation, over South
Dakota landowners. Even after the Presidential permit for the proposed Keystone
XL pipeline has been denied, TransCanada continues to move forward with eminent
domain court proceedings against local landowners.
This Saturday, February 25, 2012 at noon,
citizens of South Dakota will come together at Main Street Square in downtown
Rapid City to protest TransCanada’s continued bullying of landowners and our
elected officials who continue to repeat false statements about the proposed
project. Citizens will speak up against their elected officials ignoring their
constituents. Members of groups supporting this action include Occupy Rapid
City, Dakota Rural Action, and SD Peace and Justice. We believe the Davids of
our country should be represented when the Goliaths, like TransCanada, do not
play fair.
While a construction project will bring
short-term jobs, long-term growth for SD depends upon the health of our soil
and water and the families who have spent their lives as stewards of these
resources. Why would private property rights be given away to a foreign company
that has not proven they can care for the land, its resources, and water?
Dakota Rural Action, a grassroots organizing
non-profit, recently introduced HB 1111 into SD Legislation. This bill aims to
create an even playing field for both landowners and private organizations and
define a clear process for good faith negotiations where eminent domain is used
as a last resort in the development of railroads and large transmission
pipelines for hydrocarbons. Unfortunately, the bill failed on the House floor
last week with a 35 to 35 reconsideration vote.
“According to The
New York Times, the company has at least 34 eminent domain actions against
landowners in Texas, and 22 in South Dakota.2 And
their threats to landowners in Nebraska3
helped spark massive public opposition and a special legislative session that
were key in the decision to consider a different route.” -Credo
Action
South Dakota landowners have
proven and earned their right to private property rights over multiple
generations through their responsible stewardship. Why are we letting the
Goliaths continue with condemnation proceedings on a project that offers little
public benefit?
For More Information:
Clay and Mary Ellen Uptain
Occupy Rapid City
605.341.0724
Jessica Miller
Dakota Rural Action
605.716.2200
Jim Peterson
SD Peace & Justice
1. "Keystone XL Pipeline: Texas Farmer Wins Temporary Restraining Order Against TransCanada," Huffington Post,
February 14, 2012
2. "Eminent Domain Fight Has a Canadian Twist," New York Times, October 17th, 2011
3. "TransCanada Keystone XL Eminent Domain Threat Letter ," Dirty Oil Sands
4. "Texans rally against Keystone XL oil pipeline easement," LA Times, February 17, 2012
2. "Eminent Domain Fight Has a Canadian Twist," New York Times, October 17th, 2011
3. "TransCanada Keystone XL Eminent Domain Threat Letter ," Dirty Oil Sands
4. "Texans rally against Keystone XL oil pipeline easement," LA Times, February 17, 2012
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