The Iowa Utilities Board approves the construction of a 688-mile carbon dioxide (CO2) pipeline by Summit Carbon Solutions, aiming to capture emissions from ethanol plants across five states for underground storage in North Dakota. The project faces opposition but remains optimistic about commencing operations by 2026.
Iowa Utilities Board Approves Summit Carbon Solutions Pipeline
The Iowa Utilities Board approved Summit Carbon Solutions’ application to construct a 688-mile carbon dioxide (CO2) pipeline across 29 counties in Iowa on June 25, 2023. This approval follows a 32-month review process that included extensive testimonies and public comments. The pipeline is designed to capture CO2 emissions from 57 ethanol plants across five states and transport it to North Dakota for underground storage.
The board’s 507-page order stated that the project promotes public convenience and necessity and granted Summit the right to use eminent domain for land acquisition, subject to compensation for affected landowners. However, construction cannot commence until Summit secures permits for the route and sequestration site in North Dakota and the pipeline route in South Dakota, Minnesota, and Nebraska.
The pipeline, still requiring approvals from other states, has faced opposition from environmentalists and landowners, particularly concerning the use of eminent domain. Despite these challenges, Summit Carbon Solutions remains optimistic, planning to file for additional permits and begin operations by 2026.
