North Dakota Faces Conflicts of Interest in CO2 Pipeline Decisions as Counties Prepare Ordinances
On June 27th, the Oliver County Planning and Zoning Board met to discuss these new ordinances. However, conflicts of interest arose when Chairman Corey Hintz and several others had to disclose their conflicts, leaving only two members to vote. These two remaining members reviewed and passed the ordinance.
The next step came on July 2nd, when the Oliver County Commission reviewed the proposed ordinance. State’s Attorney Patrick Waters highlighted ongoing issues with the Planning and Zoning Board. The three-member commission, after discussion, voted unanimously to send the ordinance back for further review.
In a surprising twist, it was revealed that not only do members of the Planning and Zoning Board have conflicts, but one of the County Commissioners, Blake Wilkens, also has an undisclosed conflict involving a lease option with Summit Carbon Solutions, LLC. This revelation has raised further questions about the integrity of the decision-making process.
Join Lori Hinz as she dives into the complexities and challenges facing North Dakota’s heartland in the wake of these developments.
