Summit Carbon Solutions’ proposed 3,218.68km pipeline infrastructure would transport CO₂ from 34 ethanol plants to North Dakota for subterranean storage. Credit: Isa KARAKUS/Pixabay.

The regulatory authority of the US state of South Dakota has rejected a permit application for building a carbon dioxide (CO₂) pipeline through the state, reported Reuters.

By a unanimous vote, the South Dakota Public Utilities Commission (PUC) rejected Summit Carbon Solutions’ request to construct a 796km pipeline.

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The pipeline is a part of Summit Carbon Solutions’ $5.5bn, 3,218.68km pipeline infrastructure that would transport CO₂ from 34 ethanol plants to North Dakota for subterranean storage.

It will span Iowa, North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska and Minnesota.

According to PUC staff, who recommended in a filing that the commission reject the application, the project would contravene county rules pertaining to setbacks and other parts of the pipeline route.

The ruling, according to AP, makes an already difficult procedure even more difficult for Summit Carbon Solutions, which is facing opposition from landowners and environmental organisations as it pursues similar authorisation in other states.

In response, Summit Carbon Solutions said it respects the PUC’s decision and will refile the application.

Summit Carbon Solutions noted that 73% of the landowners along the planned South Dakota route have consented voluntarily to allow it access to their property to build the pipeline.

Summit Carbon Solutions CEO Lee Blank said: “We respect this initial ruling and remain committed to South Dakota and deeply appreciative of the overwhelming support we have received from landowners and community members.

“We are hopeful that through collaborative engagement with these counties we can forge a path forward to benefit South Dakota and its citizens.”

The PUC rejected Navigator CO₂ Ventures’ application last week for its CO₂ pipeline due to safety concerns and a lack of support from landowners along the route.