Wolf Carbon Solutions has abandoned its plan to construct a 95-mile carbon capture pipeline across eastern Iowa, as confirmed by a recent filing with the Iowa Utilities Commission.
The company intended to capture carbon dioxide emissions from Archer Daniel Midland Co. ethanol plants in Cedar Rapids and Clinton, liquefy the gas, and transport it to Illinois for deep underground sequestration.
While Wolf hasn’t clarified whether it will reapply for a permit, the company stated in its filing that it would reassess its plans once “more certainty” exists. The company, in partnership with ADM, has yet to respond to requests for comment.
Wolf sought permission last year to build the hazardous liquid pipeline through Linn, Cedar, Clinton, and Scott counties. However, the company deemed it inefficient to continue pursuing a permit given the current circumstances.
Wolf cited various factors that have delayed its progress, leading to the decision to cease pursuing regulatory approvals.
This marks the second instance of a company withdrawing its carbon capture pipeline petition. Last year, Navigator CO2 Ventures permanently abandoned its $3.5 billion project due to regulatory and legislative hurdles.
Relevant: Summit Carbon Solutions Reapplies For Pipeline Permit In South Dakota
In contrast, Summit Carbon Solutions is progressing with its $8 billion carbon capture pipeline project across Iowa and four other states. The company, now collaborating with ethanol producers who had previously partnered with Navigator CO2 Ventures, secured regulatory approval for its Iowa pipeline in June and received the green light from North Dakota regulators last month.
These pipeline projects have faced significant opposition from landowners, farmers, and other groups concerned about pipeline safety, potential damage to underground drainage systems, and the use of eminent domain to acquire pipeline easements.
While Summit obtained eminent domain powers in Iowa, Wolf had previously stated its intention to build the pipeline without resorting to such measures.
Opponents of the projects celebrated Wolf’s decision to withdraw its petition, viewing it as a victory for landowners and communities who have actively resisted the project’s potential risks.
Relevant: Navigator CO2 Cancels Its Carbon Pipeline Project
Some suggest that Wolf’s withdrawal may be linked to issues experienced by ADM at its sequestration site near Decatur, Illinois.
Last year, Wolf withdrew its Illinois application but maintained its commitment to the project. However, in September, the US Environmental Protection Agency accused ADM of inadequate monitoring at the sequestration site after carbon fluid migrated to an unauthorized zone.
While the EPA emphasized that the movement posed no immediate threat to drinking water sources, it proposed corrective actions for ADM to ensure future compliance. A final order is yet to be issued by the EPA.
