Listen as Rob Sharkey interviews Elizabeth Burns-Thompson, an expert on CO2 pipelines. They discuss transportation and safety of CO2, over-engineering pipelines, the unique geology of central Illinois for CO2 pipelines, and the Heartland Greenway project for carbon capture. They also touch on public meetings, government affairs, and working in a demonstration garden.
Carbon pipelines offer a safer and more controlled means of transport for CO2 compared to other modes such as rail or trucks.
Investing in carbon management infrastructure like pipelines can allow farmers to become price makers in the market by differentiating their products based on carbon intensity scores.
Eminent domain is seen as a tool of last resort for pipeline development, with a commitment to voluntary negotiations and fair compensation for landowners.
Deep dives
Overview of the Podcast Episode
In this podcast episode, the host interviews Elizabeth Byrne Thompson, who works in government and public affairs for a carbon pipeline project. The episode covers topics such as the importance of carbon management, the development of a carbon highway, the use of carbon pipelines to transport CO2, and the role of carbon intensity scores in determining the value of commodities. Elizabeth also discusses the challenges and misconceptions surrounding carbon pipelines, including concerns about safety and environmental impact. She emphasizes the need for voluntary participation and proactive planning in order to ensure the safe and effective management of carbon.
The Value of Carbon Management
Elizabeth discusses the growing importance of carbon management and its impact on the agricultural industry. She explains that carbon management provides an opportunity for farmers to differentiate their products based on carbon intensity scores, allowing them to potentially command higher prices for commodities. By investing in infrastructure such as carbon pipelines, farmers have the potential to transition from being price takers to price makers in the market.
The Role of Carbon Pipelines
Elizabeth highlights the role of carbon pipelines in transporting CO2 from ethanol and fertilizer plants to storage or utilization sites. She explains that these pipelines provide a safer and more controlled means of transport compared to other modes such as rail or trucks. While acknowledging concerns about safety and potential leaks, she emphasizes the proactive measures being taken to minimize risks and ensure safe handling and transport of CO2.
The Importance of Eminent Domain
Addressing the contentious issue of eminent domain, Elizabeth acknowledges that it is a tool of last resort. She explains that while it is not preferable, sometimes it is necessary for the development of pipelines or other linear infrastructure projects. She emphasizes the company's commitment to voluntary negotiations and fair compensation for landowners, aiming to minimize the need for invoking eminent domain.
Closing Thoughts on Carbon Management
In closing, Elizabeth emphasizes the economic and environmental benefits of carbon management. She encourages farmers and others in the agricultural industry to embrace the opportunities presented by carbon pipelines and other carbon management initiatives. She also invites listeners to reach out with any questions or concerns, emphasizing the project website as a valuable resource for information.