Iowa Utilities Commission Faces Pushback on Pipeline Hearing Schedule
The Iowa Utilities Commission proposed hearing dates for two segments of the Summit Carbon Solutions pipeline project in Iowa. The hearing schedule was met with opposition from landowners and environmental groups, who argued that it interferes with harvest, winter holidays, and calving season.
Supporters of the pipeline project, including corn, ethanol, and labor groups, urged for earlier hearing dates, citing that the project has been in development for five years. Brant Leonard, representing SCS Carbon Transport, stated that the company anticipates a 'not lengthy' hearing process and believes that mid-December would be an ideal time for the hearings.
The pipeline project aims to connect biofuel facilities across Iowa and other surrounding states, transporting carbon dioxide captured at the plants to be sequestered underground. Originally, the company planned to sequester the liquified gas in geological formations in North Dakota but has since changed plans due to a law change in South Dakota and additional incentives for enhanced oil recovery.