USA (Washington Insider Magazine) – Doug Burgum, North Dakota’s Governor and a potential vice-presidential pick for Donald Trump, is managing a significant carbon dioxide pipeline project in his state. Trump and President Joe Biden present Americans with radically different ideas on how to address climate change, and this $5.5 billion venture has caused division in North Dakota and left him straddling a difficult political gap.
Burgum’s Rising Profile
Though relatively unknown outside North Dakota, Burgum is emerging as a strong candidate for Trump’s running mate due to his executive experience and business acumen. He keeps robust connections with influential energy industry leaders, whose financial support is significant for Trump’s campaign.
Aligning with Biden’s Climate Agenda
According to Vindy, Burgum favors the CO2 pipeline project, which would store carbon dioxide underground in North Dakota once extracted from ethanol plants throughout the Midwest. This project could challenge Trump’s position on climate change as it supports Biden’s strategies in this area.
Economic Opportunity Over Environmentalism
Although Burgum plans to achieve carbon neutrality in North Dakota by 2030, he emphasizes the pipeline’s commercial potential over its environmental advantages. He views it as a lucrative possibility that may help the fossil fuel business as well as the state.Burgum stated, “This has nothing to do with climate change. This has to do with markets.”
Details of the Pipeline
The Midwest Carbon Express, funded by numerous investors and constructed by Summit Carbon Solutions, will span 2,500 miles through several states, ending in North Dakota. The pipeline aims to store up to 18 million metric tons of CO2 annually. The North Dakota Industrial Commission, chaired by Burgum, will soon decide on Summit’s permit application to store CO2.
Federal Incentives and Environmental Concerns
Under Biden’s climate initiatives, companies can receive federal funds for CO2 collection and storage. Summit Carbon Solutions could earn up to $1.5 billion annually from tax credits. Although Summit claims it will not use CO2 for enhanced oil recovery, its permit application leaves that possibility open, raising concerns among environmental groups about extending fossil fuel use.
Community Opposition
The pipeline has faced serious resistance in North Dakota. Fears of a pipeline rupture and its potential dangers, as evidenced by a 2020 incident in Mississippi, have fueled opposition. Landowners are also worried about property value decrease and allege aggressive tactics by Summit to secure land easements.
Burgum’s Stance on Land Ownership Issues
Burgum has largely avoided the contentious issue of eminent domain, suggesting alternative routes if landowners refuse easements. Some landowners have criticized the compensation offers as insufficient and raised safety concerns about the pipeline’s shallow burial depth.
Regulatory and Public Pushback
Summit has secured easements for most of the pipeline’s route in North Dakota, but local opposition remains strong. Burleigh County has enacted restrictions to keep the pipeline away from residential areas and community buildings.
Political Ramifications
Burgum’s support for the pipeline and his carbon neutrality goals have drawn criticism from those who view his environmental stance as contrary to conservative principles. While campaigning for Trump, Burgum often distances himself from climate change advocacy, aligning more closely with Trump’s pro-oil and gas policies.
Future Prospects
If Burgum is not chosen as Trump’s vice-presidential nominee or if he does not join a potential Trump administration, he will continue to govern North Dakota, facing key decisions about the pipeline project. His leadership in this area remains a crucial aspect of his political career.
