South Dakota Lawmakers Cripple Eminent Domain Predators

South Dakotans just won a major battle for property rights. Thanks to the relentless efforts of American Action Fund and South Dakotan grassroots voices, Governor Rhoden signed HB 1052 into law, prohibiting carbon pipeline companies, like Summit Carbon Solutions, from using the government’s eminent domain powers to confiscate private property! 

HB 1052 forces Summit Carbon Solutions—and any other carbon pipeline company who might come after them—to negotiate fairly with landowners instead of using eminent domain as a shortcut to confiscate property. If they want the land, they have to ask—and landowners have the right to say no.

This victory wasn’t easy. American Action Fund sent nearly 17,000 letters to South Dakota’s grassroots, who took the call to action and made their voices heard.

This win sends a powerful message: South Dakotans will not tolerate corporate greed trampling on individual rights. Politicians must understand that we expect accountability and fairness in how land use laws are enforced. This is about more than just one pipeline—it’s about ensuring that no landowner is forced to give up their property against their will.

Make no mistake—the fight for property rights is not over. 

HB 1052 stopped Summit Carbon Solutions from abusing eminent domain, but it doesn’t prevent future land grabs for other so-called “green energy” projects. Solar, wind, and hydrogen developers are waiting in the wings, ready to exploit similar loopholes, and we must stay vigilant to protect property rights from government-backed corporate overreach.

We must also hold politicians accountable. South Dakotans deserve leaders who fight for the people, not corporate donors. Every elected official must know that our rights will not be trampled by large-scale corporate cronies, who intend to use state and local authorities for their own gain at the expense of the people. Grassroots activism is our most powerful weapon, and we must keep the pressure on.

Unfortunately, certain members of South Dakota’s Senate have aligned themselves with establishment interests rather than standing up for their constituents. Senators Casey Crabtree, Jim Mehlhaff, and Arch Beal are heading up an insidious Cabal of establishment minions in an effort to thicken the slime standing between you and your pursuit of life, liberty, and happiness. 

Eminent domain should never be a tool for private entities to seize land against the will of property owners. It is a fundamental betrayal of our freedoms when elected officials enable such overreach. By standing against reform, the Cabal have made it clear where their loyalties lie—and it is not with the people of South Dakota.

The fight is far from over. We must continue to rally against this betrayal and demand that our legislators prioritize the rights of their constituents over the interests of corporate giants. The people of South Dakota will not forget, and we, at American Action Fund, will not rest until their voices have been heard. With continued effort, we will ensure that South Dakota remains a place where landowners—not bureaucrats, establishment cabals, or corporations—decide the fate of their own property.

Stay strong. Stay involved. Liberty will prevail. American Action Fund will keep you informed.