A North Dakota panel is set to review permits for the underground storage of carbon dioxide from ethanol plants in the Midwest. The proposed pipeline by Summit Carbon Solutions aims to transport CO2 emissions from 57 ethanol plants in five states for storage in central North Dakota.
The Industrial Commission, led by North Dakota's governor, will decide on the permits. The project has faced opposition from landowners concerned about property rights and potential environmental risks.
Summit's $8 billion, 2,500-mile pipeline would inject up to 18 million metric tons of CO2 annually underground. The company plans to build three storage facilities with a total capacity of 352 million metric tons over 20 years.
Supporters, including the Carbon Capture Coalition, argue that carbon sequestration can be done safely and benefit the environment. However, opponents question the project's impact on greenhouse gas emissions and agricultural practices.
In Minnesota, utility regulators are considering a route permit for a 28-mile segment of the pipeline. A judge recommended granting the permit, citing minimal environmental impacts and agreements with landowners.
Summit has received approvals in North Dakota and Iowa but faces legal challenges. South Dakota rejected the project, leading to a new permit application. In Nebraska, the company is working with counties due to the lack of state regulatory processes.
The project's future hinges on regulatory decisions and ongoing legal battles as it seeks to address carbon emissions from ethanol production.
