Presenter and residents raise safety concerns about carbon/CO2 pipelines during Boone County meeting

Shelli Meyer, of Bold Energy Nebraska, told the Boone County Board of Commissioners during its April 20 meeting that legislation in other states and safety risks warrant local scrutiny of carbon/CO2 pipeline proposals. "Meyer’s presentation included legislation changes in other states and concerns about safety if Carbon Pipelines were allowed in our area," the transcript records.

The presentation came during the regular meeting in Albion and prompted questions from commissioners but no formal motion or directive. Chairman Jon Lindgren acknowledged the presentation; the Board expressed appreciation but did not vote or set follow-up steps.

During the public comment period, several county residents said companies have been contacting landowners to request easements for pipeline construction. The transcript states: "Several County Citizens discussed their concerns about Carbon/C02 Pipelines and how they are being contacted by companies for easements." No resident gave a formal proposal or presented a petition; the remarks were made as public comment.

Highway Superintendent Brian McDonald and other staff did not propose a permitting change at the meeting. The Board’s action list for the day focused on contracts, facilities and right-of-way resolutions; the transcript shows no county decision on pipelines or easement policy. The County did not direct staff to draft an ordinance or to take regulatory steps during the session.

Next steps: none specified in the minutes. The meeting record shows the Board thanked Meyer and moved on to other agenda items; any further action on pipeline policies or easement oversight would require future agenda placement and a formal vote.