The town hall meeting held on August 4, 2025, in Vigo County, Indiana, featured significant discussions regarding local concerns about carbon sequestration and eminent domain, particularly in relation to the proposed Wabash Valley Resources project. The meeting was attended by Indiana Lt. Governor Micah Beckwith, who addressed the community's apprehensions about the potential impact of the project on local farmland and residents.

The session began with a resident expressing deep concerns about the company's plans to inject supercritical CO2 into the ground, which they argued could lead to the loss of family-owned land through eminent domain. The speaker emphasized the emotional and historical significance of their farm, which has been in their family for over 200 years, and called for legislative support to protect local landowners from what they described as corporate overreach.

Lt. Governor Beckwith responded by affirming his commitment to local control, stating that decisions affecting Vigo County should be made by its residents rather than imposed by state or federal authorities. He expressed strong opposition to the use of eminent domain, highlighting that it should only be applied in rare cases for the public good and that landowners must be compensated fairly.

The discussion then shifted to the topic of carbon sequestration itself. Beckwith criticized the scientific basis for the project, labeling it as "nonsense science" and questioning the rationale behind injecting CO2 underground when it is beneficial for crops and plants. He expressed skepticism about the long-term viability of such projects, arguing that investments in technology should be approached with caution, especially given the rapid pace of technological advancement.

Community members raised additional concerns about safety, particularly regarding the proximity of carbon sequestration sites to local schools. One resident, a school teacher, highlighted the risks posed by potential leaks of CO2, which could be lethal, especially to young children. She criticized the lack of communication from Wabash Valley Resources regarding emergency procedures and safety measures.

The meeting concluded with a call for transparency and accountability from state agencies involved in regulating carbon sequestration. Lt. Governor Beckwith assured attendees that he would work with his team to address their concerns and seek clarification from the Department of Natural Resources regarding data collection and safety protocols.

Overall, the town hall underscored the community's strong opposition to the proposed project and the need for protective measures to safeguard local land and residents' rights. The discussions reflected a broader concern about the implications of corporate interests on rural communities and the importance of local governance in decision-making processes.