Morton County adopts one-year moratorium on direct air capture facilities

Morton County commissioners voted July 11 to impose a temporary ban on the development of carbon dioxide direct air capture facilities while the county develops zoning standards for such projects. The measure, adopted as Resolution 30-2024-02, includes a one-year sunset clause measured from the date of publication.

The motion to adopt the resolution was made by Commissioner Morrell and seconded by Commissioner Buckley. On a roll call vote, Commissioners Morrell, Zachmeier, Buckley and Chairman Nathan Boehm voted aye; Commissioner Leingang was absent. The county minutes record the motion as carried.

The resolution’s text, as presented to the commission, prohibits construction or permitting of any carbon dioxide direct air capture facility in Morton County until zoning standards are in place, and it automatically expires one year after the date the resolution is published. The commission did not record further procedural steps in the meeting minutes on who will draft or approve the eventual zoning standards.

The commission handled the resolution as part of its regular July 11 meeting at the Morton County Courthouse. The meeting adjourned at 6:39 p.m.