PUC votes to delay hearing on controversial carbon dioxide pipeline

Summit Carbon Solutions wanted a hearing in April, but opponents won more time

PIERRE — The company behind plans to construct a 2,000 mile carbon dioxide pipeline suffered a setback after the South Dakota Public Utilities Commission set the docket deadline months back after taking into consideration the scheduling conflicts from opposing parties. 

During Thursday’s meeting, the commission voted 3-0 to approve a motion scheduling the start of the hearing date for Sept. 11. The hearing is expected to last at least two weeks. 

Summit Carbon Solutions, the company behind the pipeline project, initially argued to keep an original hearing date of April 24 after requesting an extension. That extension was approved, but the rescheduled date requested by the company was not. The earlier the hearing date, the better for half of South Dakota’s ethanol plants, whose main goal is to take full advantage of carbon tax credits available for a limited time.

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