Dorr weighs in on CO2 pipeline project

Wednesday, July 6, 2022

By Paul Struck Editor

Former USDA Undersecretary for Rural Development Tom Dorr, also former president and CEO of the Washington, D.C., based U.S. Grains Council, has researched all sides of what’s driving the proposed CO2 capture and sequester projects in Iowa, including his former home base of Cherokee County.

Iowa-based Summit Carbon Solutions is proposing a liquid C02 pipeline running through 31 Iowa counties to a permanent underground storage site near Bismarck, North Dakota.

A retired Marcus farmer, Dorr is steeped in agriculture and stays keenly abreast of new technology and innovations benefiting an industry saddled with feeding the world in a safe, economical manner, while also providing commodities (corn, beans, grasses, etc.) fueling the energy industry. Dorr’s family farm also has land parcels on the proposed pipeline route, with easements to be negotiated.

Following a series of questions proffered by the Chronicle Times, Dorr outlines his thought process, to wit:

“When I went into this (C02 capture/pipelines), I was skeptical.  I was concerned about the potential hazards, land restoration process, and ultimately how difficult it would be to negotiate easements,” said Dorr. “More importantly, I began to rethink the economics of capture and sequestration.”

“The land reclamation changes instituted after the DAPL (oil pipeline) project are significant.  I am very comfortable with the procedures and communication process Summit Carbon has included in the easement agreements.  They are detailed, specific, and make sense.” 

To read the rest of this article, please visit the original source at the Chronicle Times.