Summit Carbon Solutions Takes Steps to Protect Pipeline Permit Process; asks court to recuse PUC Commissioner Fiegen

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Summit Carbon Solutions Takes Steps to Protect Pipeline Permit Process 

Ames, Iowa [January 23, 2024] – Summit Carbon Solutions has filed a legal action to ensure a fair and transparent process for the South Dakota Public Utilities Commission (PUC) review of its pipeline permit. The company is asking the court to prevent Commissioner Kristie Fiegen from participating in the decision. While Summit is confident in its ability to secure the necessary approvals, her involvement risks opening the door to appeals that could delay the project for months or even years, creating unnecessary uncertainty for farmers, ethanol producers, and local communities relying on the project’s success.

Commissioner Fiegen recused herself from Summit’s previous case because the pipeline crosses land owned by her sister-in-law and her sister-in-law’s husband, who received compensation for easement rights. The McCook County land remains part of the route, creating an unavoidable conflict of interest. This conflict could make the permit vulnerable to immediate legal appeals, regardless of the outcome.

“We’ve worked hard to meet the permitting requirements in every state along our route, earning unanimous approvals in Iowa, Minnesota, and North Dakota,” said Summit Carbon Solutions General Counsel, Jess Vilsack. “We’re committed to keeping the process in South Dakota clear of any issues that could create uncertainty for farmers, ethanol producers, and local communities depending on this project’s success.”

Summit Carbon Solutions is confident in its application and remains committed to working with state officials, landowners, and stakeholders to move the project forward.

 

About Summit Carbon Solutions: 

Summit Carbon Solutions is driving the future of agriculture by expanding economic opportunities for ethanol producers, strengthening the marketplace for Midwest-based farmers, and creating jobs. In developing the largest carbon capture and storage project in the world, the company seeks to connect industrial facilities via strategic infrastructure to store carbon dioxide safely and permanently in the Midwest United States. For more information, visit www.SummitCarbonSolutions.com.

 

13 thoughts on “Summit Carbon Solutions Takes Steps to Protect Pipeline Permit Process; asks court to recuse PUC Commissioner Fiegen”

  1. Reminder, if I understand it correctly, if Commissioner Fiegen is forced to recuse. Governor appoint a judge to take her place and not an office holder.

    Old saying, careful what you wish for.

    1. When the process started over, she has a right to do her job for which she was duly elected. Distant relatives with land near or on the route absolutely do not call for recusal.

      1. the problem of course is that she recused herself the first time. Was that because she was up for election or because she really felt it was the right thing to do. Now that she has been reelected, she views is a ‘doing her job’? She needs to pick a side and stick with it instead of going with the political winds.

      2. It doesn’t require recusal, but she set the precedence when she recused herself. Summit merely has to point out her own logic to justify her removal. She is going to have to explain what changed to keep her in and that is going to be an uphill battle for her.

  6. I think most Republicans like Commissioner Fiegen. I certainly do.

    But after recusing herself twice before, I cannot fathom why Kristie has picked this hill to die on. She herself set the precedent in her own words that a conflict existed, but is now disagreeing with herself?

    This is just an unforced error.

  8. When is everyone going to see her entire political career she has done nothing but pander to people and its finally showing. Here is the reality she saw what Doeden and the crazies did in the last election with their lies and she doesn’t want to get on their badass because she fears political retribution, She has nothing without state government.

  9. She absolutely should recuse herself!! She did it the first time & nothing has changed…shes looking for a lawsuit by not stepping down…

  10. maybe she just hasn’t bothered to do it yet. When is the hearing? Larry isn’t Governor yet, maybe she figures there is no hurry.
    As soon as she is recused, a replacement will be appointed, right?

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