Summit Carbon Solutions Advances Pipeline Project with North Dakota Approval
In a key development for carbon capture efforts, North Dakota’s Public Service Commission approved Summit Carbon Solutions’ pipeline route on Friday, propelling the company closer to fulfilling conditions set by the Iowa Utilities Commission for construction to begin. The proposed pipeline, spanning over 2,000 miles across five states, aims to transport carbon dioxide from nearly 60 ethanol refineries to underground storage sites.
The Iowa Utilities Commission had previously greenlit an initial permit in June for over 600 miles of pipeline within Iowa and granted eminent domain powers to Summit, contingent on securing additional permits from North and South Dakota. Although North Dakota had previously denied Summit’s permits due to concerns regarding community impact, the commission unanimously approved the revised plan.
Monte Shaw, Executive Director of the Iowa Renewable Fuels Association, expressed optimism regarding the decision, highlighting the project’s potential to enhance corn demand through low-carbon ethanol production. Meanwhile, South Dakota remains a pivotal battleground, as opponents of the pipeline assert growing public resistance, evidenced by recent election results against legislation allegedly favoring carbon pipeline companies.
Activists, including Iowa Citizens for Community Improvement organizer Ava Auen-Ryan, expressed disappointment with the North Dakota decision, stressing concerns over environmental and health impacts. They vow to continue their opposition against the project.
While the North Dakota commission’s approval marked significant progress, it refrained from granting eminent domain status or common carrier classification for the pipeline—issues that are likely to face judicial scrutiny. Brian Jorde, representing landowners opposed to the pipeline, noted that these unresolved questions may culminate in legal battles ahead.
As Summit seeks to extend its Iowa footprint to over 1,000 miles for additional biorefineries, the debate over the project underscores the tension between advancing energy solutions and community concerns regarding environmental safety.
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