skip to main content
skip to newscasts

Friday, February 21, 2025

Public News Service Logo
facebook instagram linkedin reddit youtube twitter
view newscast page
play newscast audioPlay

Trump loyalist Kash Patel is confirmed as FBI director by the Senate despite deep Democratic doubts; TX leads nation in methane mitigation; NM's anti-hunger advocates make case for funding at Roundhouse; Judge denies unions' request to block mass firing of probationary employees, buyout offer; NC farmer's market, hike mark Black History Month.

view newscast page
play newscast audioPlay

Trump wants to eliminate local governance in Washington, D.C., election denier Kash Patel is confirmed as FBI director, and federal cuts to the World Trade Center Health Program hurt ailing first responders.

view newscast page
play newscast audioPlay

The Taos County Sheriff says he won't conduct raids or round ups of immigrants, New Hampshire worries a dearth of charging stations will force tourists driving EVs to pick another vacation destination, and Southern states improve education with workarounds.

Carbon pipeline debate reaches new stage after ND permit OK'd

play audio
Play

Monday, November 18, 2024   

More regulatory action is needed, but a controversial pipeline project in North Dakota is moving forward after a permit was approved last week.

Supporters and opponents are now eyeing the next steps.

The state's Public Service Commission gave Summit Carbon Solutions the green light for a siting permit for its planned route in North Dakota.

The company wants to construct a multi-state pipeline in the Midwest to capture carbon pollution from ethanol plants and store the emissions underground in North Dakota.

The commission last year rejected Summit's initial permit request.

Zach Cassidy, CO2 pipeline organizer for the Dakota Resource Council, said the latest outcome raises a big question.

"Who in our state government, or our local governments, has the power to make safety decisions on this pipeline for their residents?" said Cassidy. "Because if county commissioners can't do it, and if the PSC won't do it, that means that no one is looking out for us."

He's referring to rulings that state law supersedes counties pursuing zoning restrictions.

Cassidy said in North Dakota, Summit still needs a storage permit and opponents will focus on that, along with legislative changes.

The company praised the decision, noting it will soon re-apply for a permit in South Dakota, which also initially said no.

The project has led to backlash over concerns such as public safety and landowner rights.

Summit also says it has secured more than 80% of land easements needed for the North Dakota route.

Ahead of last Friday's unanimous approval, Commission Chair Randy Christmann strongly encouraged the company not to rely on practices such as eminent domain as it keeps reaching out to landowners.

"It is something that burdens families for generations," said Christmann. "Eminent domain should never be abused."

Summit insists it remains committed to working collaboratively with affected landowners and communities.

Beyond the Dakotas, the company is awaiting a permit decision in Minnesota. It already secured permit approval in Iowa. Nebraska also is included in the multi-state plan.



Disclosure: Dakota Resource Council contributes to our fund for reporting on Climate Change/Air Quality, Energy Policy, Environment, Rural/Farming. If you would like to help support news in the public interest, click here.


get more stories like this via email
more stories
According to a 2024 report, 74% of Montana families who received one form of income-based public assistance between 2016 and 2022 were single, aging or disabled adults with kids. (Adobe Stock)

Social Issues

play sound

Today is National Caregivers Day, recognizing those who help friends or family members who are living with an illness, injury or disability. A 2024 …


Health and Wellness

play sound

The Alabama Senate has passed a bill which would give gun owners struggling with mental health challenges the option to voluntarily surrender their fi…

Health and Wellness

play sound

As the temperatures drop, some Georgians are feeling more than just the winter chill. Nearly 40% of Americans experience the seasonal mood changes …


Researchers are developing inductive charging technology that could allow EVs to charge without plugging in, using embedded road or parking pad systems. (Kalyakan/Adobe Stock)

play sound

Earlier this month, the Federal Highway Administration stopped new funding for electric vehicle charging stations under the National Electric Vehicle …

Social Issues

play sound

Antihunger advocates and relief organizations are gathering at New Mexico's State Capitol today as part of "Hunger Action Day." Advocates will urge l…

Nationwide, about 146 million American citizens do not have passports. About 153 million Americans cast a ballot in the 2024 presidential election, according to the Center for American Progress. (Adobe Stock)

Social Issues

play sound

Legislation now in Congress could further complicate how Arizonans cast their ballots. The Safeguard American Voter Eligibility Act would require a …

Environment

play sound

One researcher at the University of Nevada-Reno has developed what she called revolutionary sorghum varieties for dairy cow feed and gluten-free human…

Environment

play sound

If Minnesota wants a strong network of up-and-coming farmers, including those who want to farm on healthier land, the state can help them become …

 

Phone: 303.448.9105 Toll Free: 888.891.9416 Fax: 208.247.1830 Your trusted member- and audience-supported news source since 1996 Copyright © 2021