North Dakota Approves Summit Carbon Pipeline Permit

The North Dakota Public Service Commission has unanimously approved a route permit for Summit Carbon Solutions' carbon dioxide pipeline project, marking a significant step forward after the company faced a permit denial in 2023. This pipeline is part of a larger $8 billion initiative intended to transport carbon dioxide from 57 ethanol plants across five states to a permanent storage site near Bismarck, North Dakota. Summit has made adjustments to its route based on feedback from landowners and community leaders, which played a crucial role in gaining approval. Despite securing about 82% of the necessary easements, the project faces opposition from local residents and environmental groups concerned about safety and property rights. Additionally, Summit still requires permits from South Dakota, where it has previously been denied, before construction can commence. The project supporters believe it will support the low-carbon ethanol market and benefit local agriculture, while opponents raise issues regarding potential hazards and impacts on farmland.