Domina Law Group Managing Attorney Brian Jorde has been featured in an article from Progressive Farmer about the ongoing pushback against a proposed multi-state carbon pipeline project.
The article, which includes a photo of Jorde speaking for the Nebraska Easement Action Team (NEAT), details how landowners continue to express concerns over a large pipeline project that would capture carbon emissions from ethanol plants, transport it through multiple states, and sequester it deep underground in North Dakota.
The debate has drawn increasing attention as Summit Carbon Solutions, the company behind one of the proposed pipelines, recently applied with the Iowa Utilities Board to use eminent domain for its pipeline in 30 counties and filed for a permit with the South Dakota Public Utilities Commission. Though the company has said hundreds of landowners have already signed up, many landowners are still concerned about the environmental and legal impact of having a carbon pipeline on their land.
As Progressive Farmer notes, Jorde is helping lead the Nebraska Easement Action Team (NEAT) in representing landowners in multiples states as they negotiate with pipeline companies.
According to Jorde, some landowners oppose pipelines entirely, while others simply want to protect their rights and ensure a fair deal with better easement terms, especially when it comes to potential liability for damaged pipelines. He also noted that landowners in Nebraska aren’t protected at the state level – since Nebraska has no law governing carbon pipelines.
"It's going to be a battle over whether they have a mechanism to use the power of eminent domain. If you don't stand up for yourself, you aren't going to be protected. Everyone I've ever represented, those who hold out the longest get the most money."
Read the full article featuring comments from Attorney Brian Jorde here.