The Public Utilities Commission is hearing testimony on the application of Navigator CO2 Ventures to construct the Heartland Greenway carbon pipeline.
On the second day of testimony, all parties had an opportunity to question the economic impact studies conducted.
Sioux Falls-based Dakota Institute published a study that suggested carbon pipelines could provide an economic boost to the state.
“We authored a report earlier this year of the potential economic benefits, or economic impact I should say, of the construction of the two CO2 pipelines. We were contracted by the South Dakota Ethanol Producers Association,” said Dakota Institute CEO Jared McEntaffer at Wednesday's PUC hearing.
The provided economic impact studies show profitability, but critics argued not all of that impact will benefit South Dakota. Brain Jorde is legal representation for landowners. He argued that the projected stats are hypothetical.
“I mean isn’t this a do your best, education guess, based on a lot of factors and assumptions,” said Jorde.
Testimony will continue over the next week. The PUC will not make a final decision on Navigator’s application until all hearings are conducted.
