KCRG - Rand Paul Opposes Eminent Domain For Bakken Line

News Article

By B. A. MorelliBy B. A. Morelli"There are times we have to use eminent domain for roads and things like that, but for this, if it is going to another private property owner, I don't think the government should be taking property through eminent domain," Paul said.

The proposed pipeline would pump up to 570,000 barrels of oil per day from the Bakken and Three Forks region of North Dakota through South Dakota and diagonally across Iowa to a terminal in Patoka, Ill. Each state will need to grant permission separately.

Multiple generations of the Van Gorps, who farm several properties in the area, and other local farmers came to discuss issues of the pipeline and eminent domain.

"They try to scare you into cooperating," said Jim Strover, of Newton.

Strover said he receives regular mailings signed by lawyers that he feels are attempts to scare him into agreeing. Strover said he hasn't and won't be willing to grant an easement for Dallas-based Dakota Access LLC to build the pipeline.

"If the pipe breaks and the oil leaks out on the ground, it takes 10 years before you can grow anything again," Strover said. "You ruin the soil."

The Van Gorps signed an easement early at a "very good price" but did so because of the threat of eminent domain, said son Bryce Van Gorp and father Carroll Van Gorp.

Bryce Van Gorp said he sees the pipeline as progress. Eminent domain on the other hand, "that's a crock."

"The threat of eminent domain was my fear," he said. "I was afraid if eminent domain was granted they would just condemn my land and take it" for a lower price.

The Iowa Utilities Board is the regulating agency that will decide whether to grant a hazardous liquid pipeline permit in the state to Dakota Access, and separately whether eminent domain can be used to site it.

Source