Summit Carbon Solutions resubmits permit application to Public Utilities Commission
Company seeks to build carbon capture pipeline through eastern South Dakota
PIERRE — Summit Carbon Solutions has reapplied for a permit to build its carbon capture pipeline through eastern South Dakota.
The Iowa-based company, which told The Dakota Scout earlier this month that they planned to file again on Nov. 19, confirmed Tuesday that it had submitted the necessary application materials to the state’s Public Utilities Commission.
Summit is seeking to build 2,500 miles of carbon capture pipelines across five states, and reaffirmed its commitment to a project it claims will benefit landowners, agriculture, and communities statewide.
RELATED: North Dakota utilities commission approves carbon pipeline route
“This project represents a once in a generation opportunity to strengthen South Dakota’s agricultural future while advancing energy innovation,” said CEO Lee Blank in a statement announcing the permit’s submission. “By working hand-in-hand with landowners and communities, we’ve developed a project that balances progress with respect for those directly involved.”
This marks Summit’s second attempt to secure PUC approval for the pipeline. The three-member board rejected the company’s application last year due to concerns about whether or not they could proceed without preempting counties. While the overall request remains the same, some of the content has changed. Summit says it has rerouted the 700 miles planned for construction in South Dakota, specifically in Spink, Brown, McPherson, and Lincoln counties.
“With the submission of this application, we’re one step closer to realizing tremendous opportunities for South Dakota’s biofuels industry, as well as for our farmers and communities,” said POET President and COO Jeff Lautt. POET owns ethanol plants that planning to connect to Summit’s line.
Opponents of the project, reenergized by the repeal of Senate Bill 201 - a measure that would have made it easier for Summit to proceed - say the company still faces several hurdles before they can break ground in South Dakota.
“The Public Utilities Commission process will begin again,” said Rep. Karla Lems, a leader in the anti-carbon pipeline movement. “The people of this state voted down Referred Law 21, which would have changed the PUC’s process, making it easier for Summit. This new application calls for renewed scrutiny, the footprint of this project has changed substantially from the original, encompassing hundreds of additional miles.”
No date has been set for a hearing. A PUC spokeswoman told The Scout that the board of regulators has one year from the date of the application to make a permitting decision.
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Hey Summit Carbon Solutions. On November 5th, 242,456 South Dakotans told you and your cabal to "GO POUND SAND" at our polling booths!
We are watching you...AND ALL LEGISLATORS and whoever the Governor will be as to how they vote on future bills on this issue.
Just ask the 14 legislators who were kicked out of office in June for voting against us just how serious AND DEDICATED we are.
Buckle up. Capitalists supported by green new deal political non-science will not stop. They are funded by taxpayers to overrun and overrule taxpayers.
It would be great if Summit would quit trying to "help" our economy, but they won't do it willingly.