How does banning books equate to liberty; CO2 pipelines are about property rights: Your letters
Your letters to the editor for May 7, 2023:
Moms for Libtery should explain how banning books is liberty
Recently our Governor signed on to a pledge to the extremely right wing PAC, Moms for Liberty. This groups focus is banning books from school and public libraries. In doing so, I am reminded of the book burning events held by the Nazi Party in Germany during the 30’s and 40’s. Apparently these parents think they have the right to impose their values and opinions on everyone else. I would love to hear their explanation as to how this is liberty. It occurs to me a better choice might be to keep their kids out of the libraries containing the books they are so afraid of. I think that would be closer to the definition liberty.
− Robert Funk, Brandon
More: Bioethanol, gun rights and outrage about Noem and the NRA: Your letters
CO2 pipeline ordinances could play out at May 23 meeting
Monday, April 24 was a very important day for the citizens of Minnehaha County. The Minnehaha County Planning and Zoning Board voted unanimously to protect current and future intelligent land use and development by passing ordinances controlling hazardous CO2 pipelines. The Board, staff and County Commissioner Joe Kippley listened to input from a variety of sources and crafted ordinances that were specific for a type of pipeline that has never been built in SD.The Board heard testimony from citizens, landowners and representatives from two pipeline companies during a meeting that went until almost midnight. In spite of opposition to any ordinances by the pipeline companies, the Board voted to approve the ordinances and forward them to the County Commissioners for final approval. The Planning and Zoning Board members are to be commended for their persistence and courage in protecting citizens and responsible land use. They deserve a very big thank you from all of us.A hearing of the ordinances by County Commissioners is scheduled for 9 a.m. May 23 in the Minnehaha County Administration Building. All citizens are encouraged to attend this groundbreaking meeting.− Kay Burkhart, Valley Springs
CO2 pipelines are about property rights. It's time to raise our voices.
There are two pipelines that want to cross our state. One is owned by Summit Carbon Solutions and the other by Heartland Navigator Greenway. The stated purpose is to capture CO2 from the ethanol plants to reduce the carbon footprint. This waste product would be piped in supercritical form up to 2200 psi, and sent to an underground site for permanent sequestration. The companies involved in this would receive ‘carbon credits’ for their participation in lowering the carbon footprint. The ethanol plants have said it is essential for their survival to link up to the pipeline. They would be able to sell their product for a premium to states that have emission requirements. The pipeline companies would qualify for 45Q federal tax credits of $85 per ton of permanently stored CO2 and $60 per ton of CO2 used for enhanced oil recovery or other industrial use. Ethanol producers could get a federal tax credit of $50 per ton of sequestered carbon dioxide.
Presently a pipeline company under consideration for a permit, (SDCL 21-35-31) is allowed to conduct land surveys without needing the express permission of landowners. Current law also states that “all pipelines holding themselves out to the general public as engaged in the business of transporting commodities for hire by pipeline” are common carriers. The law also says common carriers may use eminent domain. HB 1133, the bill I sponsored, would have excluded CO2 captured for permanent sequestration from the definition of a commodity. If passed, these companies could not use eminent domain. Landowners all across the state showed up in favor of this bill. There are roadblocks at every turn. This was killed in the Senate Commerce and Energy Committee. I haven’t even touched on the safety aspects, insurance concerns, and land values that will be affected. Did you know that CO2 is an asphyxiant? Did you know that there is foreign ownership in these projects?
Landowners are showing up in public meetings all over SD. In the meetings I have attended, if you ask the question, “How many of you in this room want this project?” barely a hand goes up. Presently Edmunds, Brown, Spink, and McPherson counties are being sued by Summit Carbon Solutions. These counties are trying to put in safeguards for the citizens they represent. Two judges in the northern part of the state have ruled in favor of the pipeline companies. Also, over 200 landowners have received a letter threatening condemnation as of this month. At least 88 lawsuits have been filed. There will be a PUC hearing in Pierre in late July/early August regarding Navigator’s line, and another in September for Summit. There are over 500 intervenors so far. My very real concern is that—if allowed-- this will not be the last project of this kind.
Let me stress, the landowners I have met are not anti-ethanol. Many of them sell their corn to ethanol plants and some are investors in the ethanol companies. The issue is property rights.
Call Gov. Noem’s office and ask her to use her voice to stand up for landowners. Contact your local officials and ask them to support property rights. Go to SDPropertyRights and sign the petition. Listen to the radio show posted on the site to get an even better grasp of this issue.
This IS a non-partisan issue, an American issue, and a Constitutional issue. If we do not begin to raise our voices against this attack, we will see our rights not only slip slowly away, but ripped right out from underneath us.
− Rep. Karla Lems, South Dakota District 16
A vote for Dawn on May 16 is a vote for valued learning
The upcoming school board election gives Sioux Falls voters the opportunity to show how we value learning by voting against the Medievel practice of book banning and burning. Currently the school district has a plan in place that should parents not want their child or children to read materials on a specific topic or by a certain author, when the material is presented at check out, the librarian can unobtrusively set it aside. No child will be embarrased by parental request. For the rest of the children, check out will be as usual.We are not cookie cutter cutouts. To limit what others read or learn is not ours to be for we do not know what the future holds for our offspring. Limiting access to learning hamstrings the child. Our children's knowledge is at stake in this election. Please go vote for the person who supports reading. Vote Dawn.
− Shirley Harrington-Moore, Sioux Falls
More: 'Vanished in Vermillion' highlights SD law enforcement embarrassment: Your letters
Johnson will bring a unique background to Sioux Falls school board
On May 16, Sioux Falls School District (SFSD) voters will have the opportunity to elect a new school board member. Outgoing board member Cynthia Mickelson did a phenomenal job serving our district and leaves huge shoes to fill. First, we wish to thank Cynthia for her time and dedication to serving.
When looking at this year’s school board race, we are searching for someone who is the best fit to serve in this role with future generations in mind. We need a candidate who understands and respects the perspective and role a parent plays when it comes to their SFSD student. Someone who knows what it feels like to be an employee of the SFSD and who has experience working with administrators and staff. A leader who is invested in the success of our students, our teachers, and our community overall.
We believe that candidate is Dawn-Marie Johnson.
Johnson is a non-partisan candidate running for this non-partisan position and we believe she has the right credentials and the best intentions for the job. She brings a unique background and skillset that will be valuable to the school board. As a young family with young kids, it’s important to us that we feel represented and can trust elected leadership at the local level. We hope that you will join us in voting for Dawn-Marie Johnson for Sioux Falls School Board.
− Tyler and Erika Tordsen, Sioux Falls
Johnson will advocate for Sioux Falls students, staff
Dawn Marie Johnson is the best candidate for the Sioux Falls School Board.We fully endorse and support Dawn Marie Johnson in the election for the Sioux Falls School Board. We believe that she has the background, experience, education and perspective to be an outstanding School Board member.Ms. Johnson has a daughter in the Sioux Falls School system and is a regular classroom volunteer. She has volunteered with several community-based organizations. Ms. Johnson has a Bachelor’s degree and Master’s degree from the University of South Dakota. She has been recognized as an Outstanding Alumni of USD.Ms. Johnson is endorsed by the Sioux Falls Education Association. She represents the type of person that will be an advocate for students and staff.Please join us in voting for Dawn Marie Johnson on May 16. She is the best candidate for the Sioux Falls School Board.− Lee and Jean Magnuson, Sioux Falls
How to submit a letter to the editor:
Letters need to be roughly 300 to 500 words, and will need to include first and last name, address, city and title. Addresses won’t be publicized, of course, but it’s a way for us to make sure those who submit a letter are who they say they are.
Letters will run on Sundays in print and online as we receive them. There may be moments, however, when we don't have any as we work to solicit interest and actively rebuild this part of our coverage for readers.
You can submit those to News Director Shelly Conlon by emailing sconlon@argusleader.com or submit them through our online form here, which also is sent directly to the news director.
This article originally appeared on Sioux Falls Argus Leader: How does banning books equate to liberty; CO2 pipelines are about property rights: Your letters
