CO2 Pipeline Plans Withdrawn in Illinois
CO2 Pipeline Project in Illinois Faces Another Setback as Wolf Carbon solutions Withdraws Submission
Illinois Landowners Celebrate victory as Wolf Carbon Solutions Abandons Controversial Pipeline Proposal
(Chicago, IL) – In a major victory for environmental groups and landowners, Wolf Carbon Solutions has withdrawn its application to build a 260-mile carbon dioxide (CO2) pipeline through Illinois. The company,which initially faced denial from the Illinois Commerce Commission last year,cited ongoing delays as the reason for abandoning the project.
“Wolf’s withdrawal of its application in Iowa is evidence the project may now be wholly dead,” said Pam Richart, coordinator of the Coalition to Stop CO2 Pipelines. “The cancellation is a significant victory for landowners and communities along Wolf’s route through all nine Illinois counties that would have been affected.”
This latest progress follows a similar setback for another CO2 pipeline project in Illinois. Last October, Navigator withdrew its permit application for a 1,350-mile pipeline system after facing regulatory hurdles in South Dakota.
The proposed pipelines have sparked controversy,with environmental groups raising concerns about potential environmental risks and landowner rights.
“There are still no federal rules in place regarding pipeline projects,” Richart added. “The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety administration has yet to issue new rules that would govern the design and oversight of CO2 pipelines.”
While Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker has expressed support for carbon capture technology, he signed legislation in early 2023 that created industry standards and imposed a pause on new carbon pipeline construction until July 2026.
However, agricultural groups like the Illinois Farm Bureau remain concerned about the lack of protection for property owners, arguing that current regulations do not ensure adequate compensation for pipelines running under their land.
In anticipation of the moratorium’s end, Ford County has taken proactive steps by enacting an ordinance to regulate carbon sequestration projects. This move aims to establish a clear process for pipeline development should the state fail to implement comprehensive regulations.
Citizens Against Predatory Pipelines (CAPP) president Joyce Harant expressed cautious optimism about Wolf’s withdrawal but emphasized the need for continued vigilance.
“CAPP remains wary and ready to act as long as taxpayer-funded 45Q tax credits are available to entice Wolf and CO2 producers to criss-cross Illinois with CO2 pipelines, capture and sequestration infrastructure,” harant stated. “We will continue to hold Wolf and other companies accountable for making their project proposals transparent, research-based, and committed to the highest standards for the public’s safety.”
CO2 Pipeline Project in Illinois Faces Another Setback
[Chicago, IL] – In a major victory for environmental groups and landowners, Wolf Carbon Solutions has withdrawn its submission to build a 260-mile carbon dioxide (CO2) pipeline thru Illinois. The company, which initially faced denial from the Illinois Commerce Commission last year, cited ongoing delays as the reason for abandoning the project.
“Wolf’s withdrawal of its application in Iowa is evidence the project may now be wholly dead,” said Pam Richart, coordinator of the Coalition to Stop CO2 Pipelines. “The cancellation is a meaningful victory for landowners and communities along Wolf’s route through all
nine illinois counties that would have been affected.”
This latest setback follows a similar fate for another CO2 pipeline project in Illinois. Last October, Navigator withdrew its permit application for a 1,350-mile pipeline system after facing regulatory hurdles in South Dakota.
The proposed pipelines have sparked controversy, with environmental groups raising concerns about potential environmental risks and landowner rights.
“There are still no federal rules in place regarding pipeline projects,” Richart added. “The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety management has yet to issue new rules that would govern the design and oversight of CO2 pipelines.”
While Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker has expressed support for carbon capture technology,he signed legislation in early 2023 that created industry standards and imposed a pause on new carbon pipeline construction until July 2026.
However, agricultural groups like the Illinois Farm Bureau remain concerned about the lack of protection for property owners, arguing that current regulations do not ensure adequate compensation for pipelines running under their land.
In anticipation of the moratorium’s end, Ford County has taken proactive steps by enacting an ordinance to regulate carbon sequestration projects. This move aims to establish a clear process for pipeline growth should the state fail to implement comprehensive regulations.
Citizens Against Predatory Pipelines (CAPP) president Joyce Harant expressed cautious optimism about Wolf’s withdrawal but emphasized the need for continued vigilance.
“CAPP remains wary and ready to act provided that taxpayer-funded 45Q tax credits are available to entice Wolf and CO2 producers to criss-cross Illinois with CO2 pipelines, capture and sequestration infrastructure,” Harant stated. “We will continue to hold Wolf and other companies accountable for making their project proposals obvious, research-based, and committed to the highest standards for the public’s safety.”