The Argus Leader has a report on a second TransCanada pipeline that will run through western South Dakota:
No paperwork has been filed for a proposed "Keystone Phase II" oil pipeline through western South Dakota, a state official says, but representatives from TransCanada Corp. have talked with at least some legislators and have plans to meet with local governments.
An official representing TransCanada is scheduled to update Harding County commissioners Tuesday on plans for what would be the company's second oil pipeline through South Dakota.
The report syas that Harding Count already has experience with pipelines:
Harding County is no stranger to the oil business. The county is the biggest producer of oil in South Dakota, and it's also a significant source of natural gas.
"We have pipelines all over the county," Glines said. "It's not a new venture out here.""There definitely are issues for concern," she added, "but we deal with it on a regular basis."
Larry Nelson, a Harding County rancher and president of the South Dakota Stockgrowers Association, said he already has pipelines on some of his land. He says there are issues with pipelines.
A landowner might get paid for an easement, but it gives a company access to land, and that access can be disruptive to ranching or farming operations. Those access agreements can last decades. In essence, a person could end up being a "bystander on your own property."Nelson said reaction to the proposal varies from person to person.
"The best thing that could happen is they just went around me," he said. "If it did happen, I'd try to make the best deal I could, but I wouldn't be jumping for joy about it."
During the 2008 legislative session, property rights became secondary to economic development by most Republicans. The agenda of Governor Rounds took precedence over property rights of constituents. Will that be a factor in November?
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