Navigator CO2 Ventures wants to suspend the permit process for its planned carbon capture pipeline in Iowa until it wins approval for the project from utility regulators in Illinois.
The pipeline would carry emissions from ethanol and other agricultural industrial plants to that state for sequestration deep underground or commercial use.
About 810 miles of the proposed system lies in Iowa, but the company said in a filing Friday with the Iowa Utilities Board it is adjusting its plans after a setback in South Dakota.
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The South Dakota Public Utilities Commission in early September denied Navigator a permit to construct a portion of its pipeline there. Since then, the company has indicated that it is not negotiating for new land easements in that state and in part of Iowa.
Company ‘currently reviewing its Iowa route’
Navigator’s motion with the IUB seeks to cancel a scheduling conference that was set for Oct. 9 in connection with its permit bid, withdraw its motion to establish a procedural schedule and pause its permit proceedings.
“Navigator is currently reviewing its Iowa route and technical specifications in light of decisions from regulatory authorities in neighboring states and individual landowner requests, which may lead to necessary revisions in Iowa,” Navigator said in a prepared statement. “Being conscious of the time and resources of all parties to this proceeding, Navigator has withdrawn the proposed procedural schedule with the Iowa Utilities Board.”
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The company plans to file an update on its project with the board by the end of March. Illinois regulators are expected to make a final decision on the project by the end of February.
Is Navigator’s motion a change of heart?
The Friday motion is a substantial shift from the company’s plans two months ago, when it was pining for the IUB to finalize a schedule. At the time, it sought to start its final evidentiary hearing in June 2024.
The company is one of three that have proposed carbon dioxide pipeline projects in Iowa. Summit Carbon Solutions recently concluded its sixth week of testimony for its evidentiary hearing and has said it wants a decision by the end of the year. Wolf Carbon Solutions petitioned for a permit in February, but there has been little progress on its process since, according to IUB filings.
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Read More:Pause sought by Navigator in carbon capture pipeline quest
2023-09-30 01:11:05
