Panel Eyes Future of CO2 Development
MCF Newsroom Reports
One important panel featured during the GNDC Policy Summit was on the topic of Carbon Dioxide transport and usage. The panel, moderated by Rainbow Energy’s Jessica Bell, featured Dr. Brian Kalk of the Energy and Environmental Research Center, David Owen of the South Dakota Chamber of Commerce, and District 8 Representative SuAnn Olson, highlighted the state’s pioneering role in CO2 pipeline regulation and storage, while acknowledging the need for continued innovation and thoughtful policy.
North Dakota’s early adoption of CO2 pipeline laws and storage liability frameworks has positioned it as a national leader, however, the lone legislator on the panel questioned the need for more regulation. “If we’re going to be filling up our pore space, we’ve got to treat it in the same manner as what we take out,” Olson said, calling for ongoing evaluation of extraction and storage taxes as the industry evolves. Olson proposed a bill calling for such regulation during the 69th legislative session. The bill faced criticism across many industries and HB 1573 ultimately failed 23-61.
A central theme was the contentious process of eminent domain, which allows companies to acquire land for public use. Recent South Dakota legislation stripped CO2 pipelines of the ability to use eminent domain, sparking debate. “The right to eminent domain is the right to go forward to settle the necessity. They don’t get to take the whole farm,” Owen explained, emphasizing the need for a fair and reasonable process that respects landowners’ rights.
Panelists agreed that trust between landowners, companies, and government is critical. Olson noted that inconsistent messaging and threats of eminent domain in North Dakota have eroded public confidence in CO2 projects. “Once you lose trust, it’s incredibly hard to get it back,” she said, urging companies to be honest and straightforward in their dealings.
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