Summit Carbon Solutions cleared a hurdle in its quest to build a five-state, 2,500-mile carbon dioxide carbon pipeline with the North Dakota Public Service Commission’s approval Friday of a 332-mile route through the state.
The company must still get final approvals from South Dakota, Iowa and Minnesota for its route, which also would run through Nebraska. A Minnesota administrative law judge recently recommended approval of 28 miles of pipeline in that state, and final approval could come at the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission’s Dec. 12 meeting. Summit plans to reapply in South Dakota on Tuesday.
The company has secured what it calls its “base scope route” through Iowa but the IUC also has required that Summit receive approvals from South Dakota and North Dakota, as well as for its sequestration site in North Dakota, before being allowed to start construction in the state. The Iowa Supreme Court also is considering a challenge to the IUC’s approval.
“We commend and respect the North Dakota Public Service Commission for their diligence and thoughtful approach in reviewing this project,” Wade Boeshans, executive vice president of SCS, said in a news release issued right after the decision was announced.
“This decision is a testament to North Dakota’s commitment to fostering innovation while working closely with communities and industries. We look forward to continuing to collaborate with stakeholders across the state to deliver long-term benefits for farmers, energy producers, and local communities.”
Summit said it has secured 82% of the route through North Dakota. The PSC had rejected the company’s original route.
The Iowa Renewable Fuels Association applauded the latest decision. “On the heels of approval in Iowa, today’s permit approval in North Dakota is a crucial step in making sure this vital project comes to fruition,” said IRFA Executive Director Monte Shaw. “All eyes now turn to South Dakota. We urge all parties to come together to find a path forward.”
“The biggest opportunities to grow corn demand all have one thing in common – super low carbon ethanol,’ Shaw said. “Capturing and sequestering CO2 is the ‘easy button’ to lower carbon. With commodity prices already dropping to near the cost of production, farmers in South Dakota and neighboring states need a viable path to grow demand.”
The American Carbon Alliance also was pleased, with CEO Tom Buis saying, " This makes North Dakota the second state, after Iowa, to approve a permit for the multi-state pipeline. The project is crucial for America’s energy security, restoring profitability to farmers, creating jobs in rural communities, and producing next-generation biofuels."
Food & Water Watch, one of the main environmental groups opposing the project, remained opposed.
“Summit’s massive carbon pipeline scam is nothing but a gift to Big Ag and the polluting ethanol industry,” Food & Water Watch Policy Director Jim Walsh said in a news release. “The pipeline poses substantial risks to public safety, and will do little to nothing to reduce climate pollution.”
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