South Dakota public utilities chairman responded to eminent domain claims surrounding CO2 pipeline

(Pierre, SD) -- The battle for the Public Utilities Commission Chair is heating up with a proposed pipeline at the center of the race.

On Sunday, the current chairman, Republican Chris Nelson, responded to allegations from Democratic challenger Jeff Barth that he lied about a proposed carbon dioxide pipeline. Nelson says commissioners do not "make up the criteria" when granting permits, that the process is guided by state law.

Barth contends Nelson was not truthful about giving Summit Carbon Solutions eminent domain when the commission considered its CO2-pipeline permit application.