Multiple carbon dioxide pipeline and storage bills fail after extended House debate

Bismarck — Lawmakers spent a large portion of the Feb. 14 House session debating a series of bills that would have altered how carbon dioxide pipelines, sequestration projects and related tax incentives are treated under state law. Several measures were considered, amended or read on the floor; floor debate included producers, agriculture advocates and lawmakers urging both caution and economic opportunity. The House ultimately recorded failures on multiple CO2-related measures during the session.

Representative Dee Anderson, speaking for the Energy and Natural Resources Committee at multiple points, described the industry’s history in North Dakota and the role CO2 storage and pipelines can play for ethanol plants, enhanced oil recovery and continuing operations at some coal plants. “Without CO2 storage and sequestration, it'd be very difficult for the coal plants to stay in business,” Anderson said on the floor while describing committee testimony and the state's existing storage projects. Other members emphasized economic opportunity for agriculture and energy if CO2 infrastructure is available, while others stressed landowner property rights and the risks of allowing out-of-state companies to exercise eminent-domain authority.

Key themes: Support…