North Dakota Approves Carbon Capture Pipeline, Sparking Controversy
Ames, IA — The construction of a significant carbon capture pipeline received a significant boost this week as the North Dakota Public Service Commission granted a route permit for Summit Carbon Solutions’ proposed Midwest Express CO2 pipeline. This ambitious project aims to establish a 2,500-mile pipeline system designed to transport carbon dioxide emissions from ethanol plants to an underground sequestration site in North Dakota.
Notably, around 680 miles of the pipeline will traverse Iowa, affecting counties such as Fremont, Page, Montgomery, and Pottawattamie. This approval follows the Iowa Utilities Commission’s acceptance of a similar permit application in June, with plans for Summit to seek an additional permit in South Dakota shortly. Company officials emphasized the thorough review conducted by the North Dakota commission, underscoring their commitment to balancing economic expansion with stakeholder interests. Current reports indicate that over 82% of the easements along the North Dakota route have been secured.
Support from industry stakeholders, including the Iowa Renewable Fuels Association, has been vocal. Executive Director Monte Shaw termed the permit approval a "crucial step" toward realizing this essential project and encouraged the South Dakota commission to follow suit.
However, the decision has drawn sharp criticism from opponents who argue against the pipeline. Jim Walsh, Policy Director for Food and Water Watch, labeled it a "gift to Big Ag" and the polluting ethanol industry, citing significant public safety risks and questioning the project’s effectiveness in reducing climate pollution.
As the development moves forward, both support and opposition continue to shape the dialogue surrounding this ambitious carbon capture initiative.
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