Court Weighs Local Power on Hazardous Pipeline Regulations in Shelby County
As federal judges deliberate, the future of local control over hazardous CO2 pipelines in Shelby County hangs in the balance. A lawsuit by Summit Carbon Solutions challenges recent ordinances, potentially impacting community safety and zoning laws. Stay informed!
Federal judges are currently deliberating on whether counties in Iowa, including Shelby County, can enforce setback regulations for hazardous CO2 pipelines. This follows a lawsuit initiated by Summit Carbon Solutions against Shelby and Story counties after both counties passed ordinances to regulate pipeline placements.
Shelby County’s ordinance mandates a distance of two miles from incorporated cities and various facilities, including schools and hospitals, while requiring conditional use permits for construction. Conversely, Summit aims to establish a 2,500-mile pipeline network to transport carbon dioxide from ethanol plants to underground storage sites in North Dakota.
During recent court discussions, attorneys debated the balance of authority between county and federal regulators regarding safety standards. Summit is also involved in similar legal challenges against other Iowa counties and is moving forward with permit applications in North Dakota and South Dakota.
As the case unfolds, the implications for local zoning laws and the future of environmental safety in Harlan and surrounding areas will become clearer.
For more details on this ongoing legal matter and its impact on our community, visit the original article linked here: Original Article.
