More hearings in North Dakota on carbon dioxide pipeline project

(The Center Square) – Hearings are scheduled for a carbon dioxide pipeline initially rejected by North Dakota regulators, keeping the multi-state project alive.

North Dakota regulators rejected Summit Carbon Solutions’ application for the CO2 pipeline. The company was allowed to re-submit the project.

North Dakota is an essential state for the project. Summit has partnered with 57 ethanol plants, but the carbon storage facility is located in North Dakota, according to information from the company. The other states along the pipeline’s path are Iowa, Minnesota, South Dakota and Nebraska.

The North Dakota Public Service Commission has scheduled hearings for April 22, May 24 and June 4, according to the docket posted online.

Summit first announced the pipeline project in 2021 but has faced many hurdles along the way.

- Advertisement -

South Dakota regulators rejected Summit’s pipeline application last fall. Lawmakers passed a bill that allows the South Dakota Public Service Commission to supersede county and municipal zoning laws deemed “unreasonably restrictive.” Counties could collect a $1 surcharge per linear foot of carbon dioxide pipeline in their county. Two other bills addressed eminent domain issues. House Bill 1185 requires companies to give landowners 30 days’ notice before surveying the property and one-time payments of $500. House Bill 1186 would return easements to the landowner if the pipeline company does not get a permit within five years. Gov. Kristi Noem signed the bills, making them law.

Summit officials said they plan to refile the application with South Dakota regulators.

The Iowa Utilities Board held hearings last year but has not made a decision. Iowa lawmakers are considering a bill allowing homeowners to take court action on eminent domain seizures before they are considered by IUB rather than after IUB action. Public comments on the legislation mentioned the Summit project.

“We have seen what the utilities board process is like and we’ve seen what the whole hazardous liquid pipeline process is like,” said Jessica Mazour of the Iowa Chapter of the Sierra Club during a subcommittee hearing on the bill. “And it’s been completely unfair.”

Residents said they are concerned about the pipeline’s safety. Kenneth Clarkson, communications director for Pipeline Safety Trust, said in an email to The Center Square that their concerns are valid.

“CO2 is an asphyxiant and intoxicant, does not burn, is heavier than air, and not to mention is odorless and colorless,” Clarkson said. “Its unique properties pose a serious public safety risk in the event of rupture, explosion, or incident. As it stands, CO2 pipelines lack important common-sense safety regulations that could address some of their dangers.”

- Advertisement -

About 5,300 miles of carbon dioxide pipelines currently exist, with a safety rating of 99.0% and no fatalities in the past 20 years, according to Summit.

Summit is exceeding federal regulations with the project and working with local emergency managers, the company said in its online safety presentation.

“Once state permits have been issued and a firm construction schedule is developed, Summit will again meet with local EMs (emergency managers) to discuss the quantity of air monitoring equipment to purchase, evaluate other requested equipment needs and initiate preparedness training scheduling with first responders,” the presentation said.

spot_img
spot_img

Hot this week

Health care company agrees to pay $22.5 million to settle claims of over billing

A health care company agreed to pay nearly $22.5...

African and Caribbean Nations Call for Reparations for Slave Trade, Propose Global Fund

Nations across Africa and the Caribbean, deeply impacted by...

Sports betting expert offers advice on paying taxes for gambling winnings

(The Center Square) – Tax season is underway, and...

Business association ‘disappointed’ by WA L&I’s proposed workers comp rate hike

(The Center Square) – The Association of Washington Business...

Entertainment district benefits don’t outweigh the cost, economists say

(The Center Square) — Weeks later, after more details...

Unions Sue Trump Administration Over Federal Worker Firings

(AURN News) — Two powerhouse unions, the American Federation...

States sue feds over denying grants for illegal immigrants

(The Center Square) – Democratic attorneys general from 21...

Ohio Democrats want redistricting commission to get to work

(The Center Square) – Less than 24 hours after...

New Hampshire sued over anti-loitering law

(The Center Square) – New Hampshire is being sued...

Operation Twin Shield: Immigration fraud uncovered in Minneapolis, St. Paul

(The Center Square) – A multi-agency investigation has uncovered...

Report: Michigan improves but taxpayers owe $4,100 each

(The Center Square) – Michigan ranked 32nd nationally, according...

Maine residential Amazon delivery includes 250 election ballots, rice, plates

(The Center Square) – Maine Republicans are calling for...

Louisiana achieves top reading gains while spending far less per student

(The Center Square) − Louisiana spends less per student...

More like this
Related

Unions Sue Trump Administration Over Federal Worker Firings

(AURN News) — Two powerhouse unions, the American Federation...

States sue feds over denying grants for illegal immigrants

(The Center Square) – Democratic attorneys general from 21...

Ohio Democrats want redistricting commission to get to work

(The Center Square) – Less than 24 hours after...

New Hampshire sued over anti-loitering law

(The Center Square) – New Hampshire is being sued...