Pipeline Politics: The Midwest Carbon Express CO2 Controversy
In the latest episode of "Capturing America's Heartland: CO2 Pipeline", the focus was on the proposed Midwest Carbon Express CO2 pipeline and the varying concerns from North Dakota and South Dakota. In North Dakota, the disclosure of safety information is an ongoing priority for local counties. However, in South Dakota, landowners are raising their voices about state sovereignty. Both states' laws enable the designation of a carbon pipeline as a common carrier, bypassing the Public Utilities Commission and Public Service Commission procedures and potentially invoking the use of eminent domain.
The episode covered a major "Property Rights Roundup" rally held on July 6th in Pierre, South Dakota. Attended by 750 landowners and legislators, the event was a significant public demonstration of concern. Farmer Mark Lapka from Leola, South Dakota addressed the large crowd, highlighting the rising tensions.
The episode also touched on South Dakota House Bill 1133, which could have defined a company transporting carbon dioxide by pipeline as not being a common carrier. However, despite the delivery of 2,000 signed petitions requesting Governor Noem call a special legislative session, there was no immediate response from the governor's office.
On the other hand, Summit Carbon Solutions reported that they had secured seventy percent of the required easements in South Dakota as of June 29th, indicating substantial progress on the pipeline project. North Dakota’s regulatory body has yet to decide whether they'll allow a sixth PSC public hearing on the CO2 pipeline.
Overall, the episode highlighted the complex issues and high stakes surrounding the proposed CO2 pipeline in the heartland of America.
