Author

Joshua Haiar
Joshua Haiar is a reporter for the South Dakota Searchlight, based in Sioux Falls. Born and raised in Mitchell, he joined the Navy as a public affairs specialist after high school and then earned a degree from the University of South Dakota. Prior to joining South Dakota Searchlight, Joshua worked for five years as a multimedia specialist and journalist with South Dakota Public Broadcasting.
Carbon pipeline company has not ‘taken any state off the map’ after SD permit rejection
By: Joshua Haiar and Jared Strong - September 15, 2023
A recently failed permit application is not necessarily the end of a carbon capture pipeline company’s goal of building in South Dakota and four other states, according to a company spokesperson. “We have not taken any state off the map,” Elizabeth Burns-Thompson, of Navigator CO2, told South Dakota Searchlight in an interview Friday. The South […]
State denies Summit permit; both carbon pipelines proposed in SD now rejected
By: Joshua Haiar - September 11, 2023
FORT PIERRE, S.D. — Some landowners who’ve been fighting against a proposed carbon dioxide pipeline shed tears of joy Monday as South Dakota utility regulators denied a permit application from Summit Carbon Solutions. The decision means both carbon pipelines currently proposed in eastern South Dakota have been rejected in their first attempts to gain permits […]
South Dakota commission staff files motion to deny Summit’s pipeline permit
By: Joshua Haiar - September 8, 2023
The South Dakota Public Utilities Commission’s staff has filed a motion to deny Summit Carbon Solution’s application to construct a carbon dioxide pipeline, citing non-compliance with ordinances in Brown, McPherson, Minnehaha and Spink counties. The news comes after Summit withdrew its request to have the commission overrule county ordinances. Another company trying to build a […]
South Dakota regulators deny permit for Navigator CO2 carbon pipeline
By: Joshua Haiar - September 6, 2023
PIERRE — In a unanimous decision, the three-member South Dakota Public Utilities Commission on Wednesday rejected Navigator CO2’s application for a permit to construct the Heartland Greenway carbon capture pipeline in South Dakota. The commission also unanimously refused the company’s request to preempt county pipeline setback ordinances. The ordinances mandate minimum distances between pipelines and dwellings, […]
During debate with S.D. lawmaker, carbon pipeline executive calls eminent domain a ‘last resort’
By: Joshua Haiar - August 23, 2023
BROOKINGS, S.D. — An executive for a carbon dioxide pipeline company said during a debate Tuesday evening that eminent domain is “a tool of absolute last resort.” Elizabeth Burns-Thompson, vice president of government and public affairs for Navigator CO2, debated South Dakota state Rep. Jon Hansen, R-Dell Rapids, at the Dacotah Bank Event Center. Hansen […]
Economic projections questioned during South Dakota carbon pipeline hearing
By: Joshua Haiar - July 27, 2023
FORT PIERRE, S.D.— The economic benefits of a proposed carbon capture pipeline came under scrutiny this week during the second day of a permit hearing before South Dakota state regulators at the Casey Tibbs Rodeo Center. The project would create about 430 jobs in South Dakota during the construction phase, 20 jobs during operation, and […]
Hundreds rally in South Dakota against eminent domain for carbon pipelines
By: Joshua Haiar - July 6, 2023
PIERRE, South Dakota – About 250 people descended on the state Capitol on Thursday in South Dakota, demanding a prohibition against carbon capture pipeline companies gaining access to land against a landowner’s will. Lawmakers, landowners and concerned citizens from across the political spectrum called on Republican Gov. Kristi Noem to call a special legislative session […]
Feds propose drainage rules to protect wetlands in Iowa and nearby states
By: Joshua Haiar - June 2, 2023
A government agency wants to keep water-draining equipment used by farmers away from federally protected wetlands in several states, including Iowa. Drain tiles are underground perforated pipes buried in farmers’ fields. They are used to drain unwanted water – including some wetlands – allowing for more room to plant crops. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife […]
Carbon pipeline company loses attempt to hold South Dakota farmer in contempt
By: Joshua Haiar - June 1, 2023
ABERDEEN, S.D. — A company proposing a carbon-capture pipeline lost its attempt to hold a farmer in contempt of court for allegedly threatening to shoot land surveyors. Judge Richard Sommers presided over the hearing May 31 at the Brown County Courthouse. He declined to hold the farmer, Jared Bossly, in contempt but ordered lawyers for […]
Wildlife group calls SD senator’s wetlands bill ‘egregious,’ but some farmers say it’s overdue
By: Joshua Haiar - October 27, 2022
A U.S. senator from South Dakota has sparked opposing reactions with legislation that could make it easier for farmers to convert wetlands into cropland. Mike Rounds, a Republican, wants to change the “Swampbuster” provision of the 1985 farm bill. Under the existing provision, farmers lose eligibility for federal farm program benefits, like crop insurance subsidies, if […]