SDCL § 49-34A-79: Public or electric utilities authorized to remove certain obstructions.

Any public utility or electric utility as defined in § 49-34A-1 and any utility operated by any political subdivision of the state may remove or alter any vegetation or other material if the utility determines that such removal or alteration is reasonably necessary for the safe repair, use, operation, or maintenance of the utility's electric or gas transmission or distribution lines.