A proposed carbon dioxide pipeline network in the Midwest got a major boost Tuesday as Iowa regulators approved the state’s portion of the project and granted the right of eminent domain to take land.
The Iowa Utilities Board (IUB) approved an application from Summit Carbon Solutions to build and operate 688 miles of pipeline in the state, spanning 29 counties. But Ames-based Summit cannot begin construction in Iowa until it has secured approvals from North Dakota and South Dakota, according to the three member panel.
“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 board’s 507-page decision said.
The $8 billion pipeline project — which would also cross Nebraska, Minnesota, North Dakota and South Dakota — is competing to be the largest carbon capture and storage project in the world. It would span 2,500 miles and transport emissions from nearly 60 ethanol facilities in five states for injection underground in North Dakota, according to Summit.
