South Dakota Corn Growers Association Announces Support for Senate Bill 198

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 18, 2025

Contact:

• Amanda Bechen, SD Corn Director of Marketing and Communications, 605-334-0100, [email protected]

South Dakota Corn Growers Association Announces Support for Senate Bill 198

Sioux Falls, SD – The South Dakota Corn Growers Association (SDCGA) today announced its support for Senate Bill 198, legislation aimed at improving transparency and fairness in the eminent domain process.

Senate Bill 198 would require an entity seeking to use eminent domain for an easement to first obtain a permit from the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) before initiating proceedings. The bill also mandates an up-front mediation process, allowing for meaningful discussions between landowners and developers, including consideration of alternative routes for the proposed transmission facility or site.

Taylor Sumption, President of the South Dakota Corn Growers Association, emphasized the importance of fostering cooperation and voluntary agreements:

“We are in favor of steps that help to improve the likelihood of voluntary easements—something we should all be supportive of regarding these types of PUC-permitted projects. Senate Bill 198 is intended to facilitate discussion towards that end goal.”

About the South Dakota Corn Growers Association (SDCGA)

South Dakota corn producers formed the SDCGA membership organization in 1986 to serve as a collective voice on issues at the state and national levels. The state is divided into nine districts for representation, and SDCGA board members are elected by fellow South Dakota corn producers from their respective districts. SDCGA meets annually to pass resolutions and hold board elections.