June 25 (Reuters) - The Iowa Utilities Board said on Tuesday it has approved Summit Carbon Solutions' application New Tab, opens new tab for a construction permit for its proposed carbon dioxide pipeline through the state.

Summit is trying to build the biggest carbon dioxide capture pipeline in the world to transport greenhouse gases from Midwest ethanol refineries and bury them underground.

The line would cross five states and capture emissions from 57 ethanol plants.

"After weighing numerous factors for and against Summit Carbon’s petition, the Board found that the service to be provided by Summit Carbon will promote the public convenience and necessity," the IUB said in its decision.

The ethanol industry wants Summit to sequester its carbon to drive down its carbon intensity and draw lucrative tax credits from state and federal clean fuel programs.

Some landowners along the pipeline's route and environmental groups have opposed the project due to concerns about potential carbon dioxide leaks and doubts over whether sequestering and storing carbon is an effective tool to address climate change.

"While Summit stands to make billions, it is our climate and communities that lose out," said Jim Walsh, policy director of environmental group Food & Water Watch, in a statement.

The permit approval from the IUB means Summit will be able to use eminent domain in the state if needed to access its pipeline route.

The company has acquired land easements from landowners along 75% of its Iowa route, the company said in a press release.

Summit must still get permits approved in North and South Dakota, which both rejected its initial permit applications last year, and in Minnesota. There is no carbon dioxide pipeline approval process in Nebraska, the fifth state Summit's line would cross.

Summit wants to break ground next year and begin operations in 2026.

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https://www.reuters.com/sustainability/iowa-regulators-approve-construction-permit-summit-carbon-pipeline-2024-06-25/