Counties should act to block CO2 pipelines

Iowa’s Shelby County is the first county in Iowa to consider an ordinance addressing CO2 pipelines, to my knowledge. Iowans should praise Shelby County for being proactive and vigilant. The well-thought-out ordinance promises to assure a safer scenario involving the construction of CO2 pipelines — or better yet, no construction.

In contrast to the pipeline companies’ publicity, CO2 pipelines are not safe or good for the environment. They are hazardous, destructive for the environment and potentially soon outdated. Electric vehicles will make fossil fuels economically unattractive and unwanted.

There are three CO2 pipeline proposals coming before the Iowa Utilities Board. Summit, Navigator and a partnership of Wolf Carbon Solutions and Archer Daniels Midland.

Miles of these pipelines would have to transect private Iowa land, an unwelcome development for affected landowners.

The cost lies in the billions and would be paid in part by public funds. It is utterly absurd to fund investment and profits for private gain with public dollars.

We know that even well-constructed CO2 pipelines might fail and Iowa humans and animals will be at great risk.

I urge all counties in the path of these pipelines to formulate CO2 pipeline ordinances.

Renata Sack

Waterloo