Iowa’s company is seeking support for a multi-state project to capture carbon from ethanol plants and move it underground for storage. Advocates for tribal communities insist that their voices should not be ignored in the public debate.
Summit Carbon Solutions would like to build a pipeline through five US states, including Iowa. Storing undergroundNorth Dakota
Carbon-capture supporters argue that it benefits the environment.
Brian Jorde, a managing lawyer at Domina Law Firm, is involved with legal strategies to fight such projects. He said that there are too many unknowns.
“How can these companies assure that there won’t be a disaster in the future, when they have no idea of the formations?” Jorde questioned.
He said that it is impossible to predict if carbon will move beyond storage limits. He spoke at a forum hosted by Great Plains Action Society and regional tribal leaders.
They fear that the projects will not only harm landowners but also could affect water supply and other resources for Indigenous communities. Summit insists that it will engage with tribes.
Donielle Wanatee is a Meskwaki Nation member. She said that companies have aggressively tried to secure land for previous projects, including the Dakota Access oil pipeline. Summit will be the latest example, she believes, even before permits have been approved.
Wanatee stated, “This is just scary, not only for Iowans but for everyone who isn’t aware that this is happening.”
Environmental and tribal groups urged residents along the route to be informed and encouraged them to speak out.
Summit is moving quickly to convince landowners to agree on land easements, they said. The company describes the pipeline to be the largest carbon capture-and-storage project in the world, and it would store up 12 million tons of CO2 each year.
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The state’s largest utility agency offers tips to help you keep your bills down during peak energy-use seasons.
Heating costs are affected by three main factors: energy consumption, price and weather.
Nils Hagen Frederiksen, press secretary at the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission, stated that shopping for natural gas and electricity suppliers is one way to cut costs. You might find a cheaper plan depending on the time of the year, the national energy markets and your personal preferences.
He also provided some energy-saving tips which can make a big impact.
Hagen-Frederiksen suggested, “Simple tasks, like paying attention your thermostat.” “In winter, depending on your heating system and your home, a one degree change in your thermostat could impact your bill by as much as 3%. It can cost you a lot to turn down your thermostat when you aren’t there.
Online shopping for electric and natural-gas suppliers is possible for both renters and homeowners. PAPowerSwitch.com PAGasSwitch.com. Other ways to reduce your energy bills are to keep furnace filters and air ducts clean and to winterize your home with insulation or storm doors.
Some families and small business owners struggle to pay their energy bills. Hagen Frederiksen advised calling your utility company to find out if you may be eligible for financial assistance if your financial situation is dire.
Hagen-Frederiksen stated that utilities are familiar with all available programs. They may be utility-run consumer aid programs. There are also charitable programs and hardship funds. There are federal programs such as LIHEAP. There are COVID-related rentals. Energy assistance
.”
Last year, utility assistance programs helped reduce monthly energy bills for 293,000 electric customers and 167,000 natural-gas customers.
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Some Montanans are fighting for a change in the direction of Montana’s largest utility.
Nearly 1000 customers Signed a LetterBob Rowe, NorthWestern Energy CEO, urges him to invest in renewables.
Anne Hedges, director for policy and legislative affairs at Montana Environmental Information Center, stated that there is growing discontent among the company’s decision to build a Laurel methane-gas plant near Billings. Also, the company’s resource procurement plan for 20 years, which does NOT include renewable energy, has caused discontent.
Hedges explained that the petition was a result of frustration over NorthWestern Energy’s inability to move forward like other utilities. “To ensure the power is clean, affordable, and appropriate moving forward.”
According to environmental groups the plant will emit approximately 770,000 tons of greenhouse gas each year. That’s equivalent to 167,000 cars’ annual greenhouse gas emissions.
NorthWestern Energy stated that the plant is the best choice because other sources are too volatile during peak energy demand. Jo Dee Black, spokesperson of NorthWestern Energy, said that nearly 70% of Montana’s energy is generated from carbon-free resources.
Hedges claimed that the methane plant, which is expected to cost more than $250m, is not cost-effective. She said that people want affordable, clean energy.
Hedges stated that this is not an environmental issue per se. “This is Montana’s consumer issue. Montanans don’t want to be stuck paying for resources that are no more viable in a different market.
NorthWestern Energy was also urged to pay the $2.5 million penalty for failing to purchase electricity from local community energy projects.
Hedges noted that the fine is for low-income and tribal energy assistance programs. This will be crucial because utility bills are expected increase this winter.
Hedges stated, “We know that these low-income programs can be extremely important for people who cannot afford higher utility bills.” “Let’s not forget those who, due to COVID or other reasons, can’t afford their bills as it is. It is going to be more difficult to pay your bills.
Black states that NorthWestern Energy was not subject to the penalties imposed by this law. Black also noted that this law was repealed by the 2021. The company is currently seeking feedback on its 2022 plan. Electricity Supply Resource Plan.
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LAS VEGAS — Nevadans have the opportunity tonight to express their opinions on a proposed rate rise for gas bills.
The Public Utilities Commission of Nevada will host a HearAt 6 p.m., at its offices in Las Vegas or Carson City, taking Comments from the publicBoth in person and over the phone. Southwest Gas proposesRates will be raised by an average $3.39 per moist in southern Nevada and $3.49 in the northern part.
Hector Fong Jr. is the communications manager for The Progressive Leadership Alliance of NevadaThis rate increase is ill-timed since households are already in financial difficulties.
“We shouldn’t be burdening Nevadans at a time we’re still recovering after the pandemic,” he stated, “especially with an omicron variant looming.”
On its websiteSouthwest Gas stated that the increases would bring in $30.5 million to keep its current level service. The company recently spent almost 2 million to purchase an outside-of-state pipeline.
Last year, Gov. Steve Sisolak published a Climate strategyThat calls for Nevada not to use fossil fuels like natural gas and oil. Fong stated that the state must stop using natural gas for power generation or heating homes and commercial buildings.
Fong stated that Nevada must take bold and decisive action to shift away from non-renewable energies like natural gas and methane gas if it wants to meet its climate goals.
Find the call-in numbers, and the link to view the hearing at the Website of PUCN. A decision is expected in the early part of next year.
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