co2
Newsletter
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Proposed carbon pipeline will miss some ethanol plant emissions
The planned $8 billion carbon pipeline in South Dakota promises to capture CO2 from ethanol fermentation but will leave emissions from fossil-fuel-powered equipment untouched.
In short:
- The pipeline aims to capture up to 18 million metric tons of CO2 from ethanol fermentation annually, but leaves 7 million tons from machinery emissions.
- CO2 from gas-powered equipment is harder to capture and more expensive due to its mixed composition.
- A report suggests ethanol production could achieve net-negative emissions by 2040 through carbon capture and other sustainability efforts.
Key quote:
"This is both a giant pipeline project and a drop in the bucket."
— Daniel Sanchez, assistant professor at the University of California-Berkeley’s Department of Environmental Science, Policy and Management
Why this matters:
Capturing only fermentation emissions limits the pipeline's environmental impact. Broader efforts are needed, including reducing natural gas use at ethanol plants, to meaningfully cut greenhouse gases.
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Biden's climate law may boost oil production through enhanced recovery
Oil companies could use tax credits from the Inflation Reduction Act to extract more crude from existing wells through enhanced oil recovery, which injects CO2 underground to dislodge oil.
In short:
- The Inflation Reduction Act boosts tax credits for storing CO2, incentivizing its use for oil recovery.
- Critics argue weak oversight allows companies to claim tax benefits without effectively storing CO2.
- Environmentalists say enhanced oil recovery (EOR) undermines climate goals by encouraging fossil fuel production.
Key quote:
“There’s a lot of money from the [Inflation Reduction Act], and a lot of concerns that taxpayer money is going out the door to industry that hasn’t proven EOR to be an efficient climate solution.”
— Autumn Hanna, vice president of Taxpayers for Common Sense
Why this matters:
EOR could help oil companies extend well production while claiming climate-friendly tax credits. Without better oversight, it’s unclear whether this will actually reduce carbon emissions.
Related: Biden faces challenges in curbing US oil production
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Explosion at New Mexico carbon capture plant raises questions about oil industry subsidies
A fire at the Piñon Midstream Dark Horse plant in New Mexico revealed how carbon capture operations intended to combat climate change can end up producing more pollution while receiving substantial taxpayer-funded subsidies.
In short:
- The fire at Piñon Midstream’s plant exposed the risks associated with processing “sour gas,” a dangerous mix of methane, carbon dioxide and hydrogen sulfide.
- Despite the environmental damage, the facility may still claim up to $255 million in carbon capture tax credits in the next 12 years.
- The EPA approved the project’s monitoring plan just seven months after the fire.
Key quote:
“If your purpose in encouraging CO2 injection is to reduce the amount of CO2 that’s going into the air, it’s counterproductive to subsidize an industry that’s going to produce more oil and gas and put more CO2 into the air.”
— Preet Bains, research analyst for the Environmental Integrity Project
Why this matters:
Carbon capture projects like Dark Horse are marketed as climate solutions but can paradoxically lead to increased fossil fuel production and higher emissions. Taxpayers may unknowingly fund these projects, which contradict broader climate goals.
Related: 30 environmental advocacy groups ask PA governor to veto carbon capture bill
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Dutch and American climate deniers team up as Europe leans right
A climate denial conference in the Netherlands shows growing ties between Dutch and American groups, reflecting a broader rightward shift in Europe.
Nina Tea Zibetti, Alexander Beunder, Merel de Buck and Jilles Mast report for DeSmog.
In short:
- Clintel's fifth anniversary conference showcased speakers like Gregory Wrightstone and Willie Soon, emphasizing CO2's purported benefits and mocking renewable energy.
- The event underscored growing connections between Dutch climate deniers and U.S.-based organizations like the CO2 Coalition, which has financial backing from major American oil interests.
- The rise of far-right political parties in the Netherlands, such as PVV and BBB, aligns with Clintel's anti-regulation stance, giving climate denial more media attention and political influence.
Key quote:
"I embrace that high carbon lifestyle […] CO2 is showing huge, huge benefits and so we should celebrate it."
— Gregory Wrightstone, climate science denier and executive director of CO2 Coalition
Why this matters:
The strengthening ties between Dutch and American climate deniers could undermine international climate efforts, promoting policies that ignore or downplay the dangers of climate change. This trend reflects a broader political shift that could have significant environmental and policy implications globally.
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Midwestern CO2 pipeline gets Iowa approval but faces further challenges
Iowa regulators approved Summit Carbon Solutions' CO2 pipeline project, but it still needs approvals from other states to proceed.
In short:
- The $5.5 billion project will transport CO2 emissions from over 50 ethanol plants in five states for underground storage in North Dakota.
- Opponents fear land seizures and potential hazards from pipeline ruptures, while supporters argue it aids climate change efforts and economic growth.
- Summit must secure approvals from North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, and Nebraska before construction can begin.
Key quote:
“Whether you think it’s smart or silly, the world’s largest airlines want to decarbonize their fuel.”
— Monte Shaw, executive director at the Iowa Renewable Fuels Association
Why this matters:
For advocates, the pipeline represents a crucial step in reducing carbon emissions and combating climate change. By capturing and storing CO2, the project could help lower the carbon footprint of biofuel production, making it a more sustainable option. Farmers and landowners have voiced strong opposition, fearing the pipeline could disrupt agriculture and threaten water supplies. Environmentalists are divided, with some supporting carbon capture as a necessary tool in the fight against global warming, while others argue it distracts from investing in renewable energy sources like wind and solar power.
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Governor Burgum backs controversial carbon pipeline in North Dakota
North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum, a potential Trump running mate, supports a $5.5 billion CO2 pipeline project, highlighting political and environmental tensions.
Richard Lardner and Jack Dura report for The Associated Press.
In short:
- Burgum, aiming to be Trump’s VP, supports the Midwest Carbon Express, a $5.5 billion CO2 pipeline aligned with Biden’s climate goals.
- The pipeline, collecting CO2 from Midwest ethanol plants, faces strong local opposition due to safety and land value concerns.
- Summit Carbon Solutions claims the pipeline will aid the fossil fuel industry and ensure CO2 storage, though critics argue it extends fossil fuel use.
Key quote:
“This has nothing to do with climate change. This has to do with markets.”
— Doug Burgum, Governor of North Dakota
Why this matters:
While the project promises significant environmental benefits by potentially cutting down on CO2 released into the atmosphere, it also faces considerable opposition. Critics argue that the focus should be on reducing emissions at the source rather than relying on carbon capture technology, which they see as a temporary fix rather than a sustainable solution.
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County officials contest federal ruling on pipeline route restrictions
A federal judge’s decision to limit local and state authority over carbon dioxide pipeline routes faces challenges from multiple groups concerned about public safety.
In short:
- Chief Judge Stephanie Rose ruled that only federal regulators can enforce safety standards for CO2 pipelines, blocking Iowa counties from setting minimum separation distances.
- The ruling is being contested by organizations like the Iowa Farm Bureau and the Pipeline Safety Trust, which argue for the importance of local regulations to prevent potential hazards from pipeline ruptures.
- Appeals are ongoing, with arguments focusing on the balance of regulatory power between local, state, and federal authorities.
Key quote:
“Local governments have traditionally exercised broad powers to regulate land use, including setback distances and property development that includes development in the vicinity of pipelines.”
— Alan Mayberry, pipeline safety administrator for PHMSA
Why this matters:
Carbon dioxide pipelines, designed to transport CO2 for purposes like enhanced oil recovery and carbon capture and storage, have been touted as essential tools in the fight against climate change. However, their routes often cut through populated areas, raising alarms about the potential for accidents and leaks that could pose serious risks to human health and the environment.
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