PIERRE, S.D.(HubCityRadio)- The South Dakota House debated for almost two hours on SB201.  The bill provide new statutory requirements for regulating linear transmission facilities, to allow counties to impose a surcharge on certain pipeline companies.

Prime sponsor of the bill on the House side was House Majority Leader Will Mortenson of Fort Pierre.

Mortenson reminds the legislature that you don’t need to take sides on the issue of carbon sequestration.

Mortenson talks about what SB201 does.

The legislature heard testimony both in favor & oppose to the bill.

Representative Karla Lems of Canton questions why this bill is needed.

Representative Lynn Schneider of Huron(who also represent Spink County) speaks in favor of the bill.

Representative Brandei Schaefbauer spoke in opposition because of the issue of local control.

Representative Drew Peterson of Salem believes this address the issue of funding for counties.

Representative Scott Odenbach of Spearfish who has family in the Eureka area express concerns that was sent to him from landowners.

Representative Jon Hansen of Madison questions the constitutionality of this bill.

Representative Tony Venhuizen of Sioux Falls countered Hansen’s argument.

Representative Carl Perry of Aberdeen discuss how the bill destroys local control.

Representative Roger Chase of Huron(Represents Spink County) tells the legislature that he has no concerns about the safety issues with the pipelines.

The bill passed the House on a 40-30 vote.  The bill now heading for conference committee between both chambers.