Looking back at 2023: carbon pipeline a hot button issue

The proposed Summit Carbon pipeline was a major topic of conversation throughout 2023.
The Montgomery County Planning and Zoning Commission drafted a carbon pipeline ordinance with the assistance of Ahlers & Cooney P.C. out of Des Moines. The ordinance was approved and sent to the Montgomery County Board of Supervisors, who tabled action on the ordinance during the summer. The decision was met with criticism by multiple residents including Jan Norris, however, the supervisors did not revisit the ordinance prior to the end of 2023, preferring to take a wait and see approach to the issue, and see how Iowa courts ruled on other pipeline ordinances being drafted in other counties throughout the state.
In mid November, the Iowa Utilities Board wrapped up multiple days of hearings on the proposed pipeline project, declaring it the longest hearing that had taken place in the history of the IUB.
No time frame for the final decision on Summit’s permit was given.
If approved, the permit will include the use of eminent domain and could include other conditions.