SIOUX FALLS, S.D.(Dakota News Now)- After their permit application was denied by the South Dakota Public Utilities Commission last month, Navigator has announced they are officially cancelling their CO2 pipeline project.

In a statement posted on their website, the company said the development of the project has been challenging.

“Given the unpredictable nature of the regulatory and government processes involved, particularly in South Dakota and Iowa, the Company has decided to cancel its pipeline project.”

Matt Vining, CEO of Navigator CO2 remarked, “As good stewards of capital and responsible managers of people, we have made the difficult decision to cancel the Heartland Greenway project. We are disappointed that we will not be able to provide services to our customers and thank them for their continued support.”

Landowners that feared the company would utilize eminent domain to construct the project took the denial by the PUC as a win.

“All this was a victory not only for us but for all South Dakotans,” said Valley Springs resident Rick Bonander.

Sabrina Zenor, Spokeperson for Summit Carbon Solutions released the below statement following Navigator’s announcement.

“Summit Carbon Solutions welcomes and is well positioned to add additional plants and communities to our project footprint. We remain as committed to our project as the day we announced it. It’s not often you get the opportunity to positively impact an industry that touches every farmer and rural community across the Midwest. We have reached voluntary agreements along nearly 75% of our proposed route – we are pleased that the vast majority of landowners and farmers across the Midwest embrace the project. We look forward to building a generational asset that will create new markets for the ethanol industry and farmers.”

Doug Sombke, president of South Dakota Farmers Union and South Dakotans First

“Navigator’s decision to discontinue its plan for a carbon sequestration pipeline through South Dakota marks a victory for local control and underscores the need for stronger safeguards on property rights. The company’s questionable use of eminent domain laws to take over private land for its own gain was both unjust and morally wrong. It is unacceptable for any private entity to infringe on the property rights of South Dakota landowners for their own financial gain. This abuse of power poses a direct threat to the well-being and rights of local communities.

Now is the time to put South Dakotans. We must leverage our shared values and work together to strengthen protections for family farmers and property rights from corporations seeking to reap profit for private gain. We need legislative advocates to come forward and spearhead new efforts to prevent the misuse of eminent domain and uphold the land rights of family farmers.

I invite all those who oppose eminent domain for private gain to join our collective effort to fight for what is right by joining the South Dakotans First coalition- and by continuing to share their personal stories.”