Image courtesy of Summit Carbon Solutions
Energy industry leaders say Tuesday’s court ruling striking down North Dakota’s carbon storage law creates significant uncertainty for carbon capture projects statewide, despite landowners calling for “just compensation” for the use of their land, according to reporting by Jeff Beach and Jacob Orledge of the North Dakota Monitor.
The ruling affects Summit Carbon Solutions’ pipeline project transporting emissions from ethanol plants including Tharaldson Ethanol near Casselton, and could impact Minnkota Power’s Project Tundra at a coal plant near Center. Jonathan Fortner of the Lignite Energy Council warns the decision creates uncertainty when reliable, affordable electricity is critical. He warns this ruling could affect grid reliability, bills, and local jobs down the line.
Energy law scholar Owen Anderson says the decision could open challenges to other pore space uses like saltwater disposal, which is imperative to the oil and gas industry. Senator Dale Patten, a carbon sequestration proponent, questions what alternative language lawmakers could use if the ruling stands.
Northwest Landowners Association Chair Troy Coons says companies should work with landowners for 100% voluntary participation or use eminent domain for public utility projects. The Dakota Resource Council calls it a major win for farmers and ranchers opposing CO2 pipelines and storage.
Comments