Reading Rae Yost's report for Keloland, Lawmakers seek additional PUC study for CO2 pipelines, I was pleased to learn that Joe Donnell, one of my state representatives, isn't just spending his time having religious fantasies about freemason communists and Mount Rushmore.
Yost reports:
Twenty-four state Representatives and three Senators are asking the South Dakota Public Utilities Commission to take an action it apparently has not done for some time.
The 27 lawmakers have requested the PUC require an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIS) as part of the permitting process for any carbon dioxide sequestration pipeline. Summit Carbon Solutions and Navigator have applied to the PUC for permits to install sections of CO2 pipelines in the state.
“To my knowledge, the PUC has not done that (EIS requirement) in recent years, because the Commission’s review and the requirements found in the Administrative Rules, specifically ARSD 20:10:22, address the items that would generally be found in an EIS,” PUC staff attorney Kristen Edwards said in an email to KELOLAND News.
The July 16 letter from the lawmakers claims the size and nature of the two proposed CO2 pipelines will significantly disrupt many miles in the state. Disruption of native grasses, vegetation, soil makeup, groundwater, air quality and waterways is of high concern, the letter said.
An EIS would address those high concerns about disruption, according to the letter from the lawmakers.
Administrative rules 20:10:22 evaluates the site’s effect on the physical environment, on aquatic ecosystems and other areas. The rule also includes water quality such as “The applicant shall provide evidence that the proposed facility will comply with all water quality standards and regulations of any federal or state agency having jurisdiction and any variances permitted.” . . .
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