The total project spans five states: Iowa, Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Nebraska. It will slice through 2,500 miles of land.
In a major project milestone, the Iowa Utility Board (IUB) last week approved a proposal by Summit Carbon Solutions to build the world’s largest carbon capture pipeline.
The total project spans five states: Iowa, Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Nebraska. It will slice through 2,500 miles of land, connect with 57 ethanol plants, and affect thousands of private landowners, many of whom have fought against the project. The portion approved in Iowa is 680 miles, a Summit spokeswoman told The Epoch Times.
In public hearings and official protest letters submitted to the IUB, many landowners have said that they object to allowing the company to have a right-of-way on their land.
With this decision, 859 land parcels can be taken by the company through eminent domain.
“After weighing numerous factors for and against Summit Carbon’s petition, the Board found that the service to be provided by Summit Carbon will promote the public convenience and necessity,” the IUB wrote in its decision. “The Board found Summit Carbon could be vested with the right of eminent domain.”
The company reports that it has already signed easement agreements with 75 percent of Iowa landowners on the route.
Conditions of Approval
The IUB did put some conditions on the approval.
Summit will be required to submit certain revised exhibits as compliance filings for IUB review before the board issues the construction permit. The company also must obtain and maintain at least a $100 million insurance policy, comply with certain construction methods, and ensure that landowners and tenants are compensated for damages that may result during construction.
In addition, Summit needs approval in all the other states.
“The momentum will continue as we prepare to file our South Dakota permit application in early July,” Summit CEO Lee Blank said in a statement. “We look forward to engaging with the state throughout this process and are confident in a successful outcome.”
By Beth Brelje
