Iowa

CO2 pipeline company plays hardball as Iowa counties fight back

Published

2 years ago

December 12, 2022

CO2 pipeline company plays hardball as Iowa counties fight back

In Iowa, deep-pocketed companies are hoping to construct carbon dioxide pipelines throughout a whole lot of miles of farmland. However county governments are placing the brakes on growth by passing ordinances to guard individuals within the pipelines’ path. In response, Summit Carbon Options, the corporate farthest alongside within the state’s allowing course of, is punching again, submitting federal lawsuits to overturn the ordinances and forcing counties to spend scarce taxpayer {dollars} to defend themselves.

“It is a tactic of their playbook, and it’s a really efficient one,” stated Jane Kleeb, founding father of the nonprofit Daring Nebraska, which helps landowners set up to combat pipelines. “Through the Keystone XL pipeline combat, each time a county received able to cross a zoning regulation, the pipeline firm would are available in with a crew of fits and threaten to sue.”

The lawsuits particularly goal Iowa’s Shelby and Story counties, which have been the primary to cross ordinances requiring that these pipelines– which can carry CO2 from Iowa ethanol crops to sequestration websites out of state – be set again from residences, church buildings, nursing properties and different locations the place individuals stay and collect. Voted into regulation final month, the ordinances additionally name for the pipeline firms to offer an emergency response plan and a computer-modeled estimate of the dispersion of CO2, a recognized toxicant that may be deadly if a pipeline have been to rupture.

“We’ve got a proper to understand how harmful that is,” stated Steven Kenkel, chairman of the Shelby County Board of Supervisors, who pointed to a 2020 carbon dioxide pipeline rupture in Satartia, Mississippi, that hospitalized 45 individuals. “We need to know what the blast zone is, what the fatality zone is, what the hazard zone is, what’s the worst case state of affairs.” Summit has refused to offer such data, regardless of an order from the Iowa Utilities Board (IUB). The corporate claims that as a result of federal regulation regulates security requirements for interstate pipelines, it’s exempt from any native or state security necessities.

Every county is contemplating barely totally different setback necessities. Shelby requires 1,000 ft between pipeline and residences; Story, which additionally requires buffers round wetlands, would use a system that will depend on the diameter of a CO2 pipeline, noting {that a} six-inch pipeline would require a minimal of 1,670 ft. However it’s not clear that even these setbacks would defend individuals. Richard Kuprewicz, a pipeline security guide who has testified earlier than Congress, stated that when a CO2 pipeline unzips, the fuel strikes rapidly by way of the panorama. “It occurs in microseconds,” he stated. “The pipeline ruptures and [the plume] can journey 1000’s of ft if not miles.”

Whereas the federal lawsuits will take time to wind by way of the courts, the query of whether or not pipeline firms are required to offer security data to state or native authorities might be addressed for the primary time on Tuesday, December 13, when Summit and county attorneys current oral arguments earlier than the IUB. Timothy Whipple, an legal professional who represents Shelby County, will argue that Summit’s preemption declare is flawed. Whereas the federal Pipeline and Hazardous Supplies Security Administration (PHMSA) units security requirements for the design, inspection, emergency plans and upkeep of pipelines, he says, it doesn’t preclude state and native governments from contemplating security when siting a pipeline. “So long as you don’t impose a requirement that might make it troublesome for the pipeline firm to adjust to the federal security requirements,” Whipple says, “then we imagine you may contemplate security when wanting on the pipeline’s route.”

Wally Taylor, legal professional for the Iowa chapter of the Sierra Membership, agreed. He stated the federal Pipeline Security Act, which PHMSA administers, particularly states that it doesn’t regulate the routing and site of pipelines. “It’s fairly clear that counties have the authority to place circumstances on the place the pipelines may be situated,” he stated. As a result of Summit’s fits make the identical argument, he added, the corporate most likely filed them as an intimidation tactic. “They’re sending a message to the opposite counties: Don’t do that by way of passing an ordinance otherwise you’re going to search out your self in federal courtroom, too.” Summit representatives didn’t return messages searching for remark.

Templates of the 2 ordinances have been circulating amongst quite a few county zoning boards for months, and Summit officers have observed. In September, because the Montgomery County zoning board convened to evaluation the Shelby County ordinance, Grant Terry, a senior venture supervisor with Summit instructed the board, “We don’t plan to observe what’s in place on this ordinance with regard to Shelby County.” Terry stated that the ordinance had been “put in place” by Kleeb’s group, which he referred to as a recognized “eco-terrorist group,” and that Kenkel, the Shelby County supervisor, was “a sitting member, an lively member of Daring Nebraska.” (Daring Nebraska isn’t a membership group.)

Kenkel stated he talked to many various individuals and organizations, together with Kleeb’s group, over many months as he labored to determine how his county might craft a authorized ordinance that might deal with constituents’ security considerations. “In my ten years as a supervisor, that is probably the most consuming venture that I’ve ever labored on,” he stated, tearing up. “However I don’t need my youngsters, my grandkids or my nice grandkids to say sometime, ‘What the hell was Grandpa considering?’ I would like them to know I attempted to combat again.”

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Iowa

Keys to Victory: Nebraska at Iowa

Published

7 hours ago

November 28, 2024

Press Room

Nebraska heads to Iowa City on Friday for the annual Black Friday matchup against the Hawkeyes. At 6-5, the Huskers are bowl eligible for the first time since 2016. Iowa comes into the game at 7-4, having won three out of their last four. Of the two teams’ mutual opponents, Iowa lost to Ohio State 35-7, beat Wisconsin 42-10, and lost to UCLA 20-17.

On behalf of the Common Fan podcast, here are three keys to victory for the Huskers, and two keys to victory for all the fellow Common Fans.

NEBRASKA’S KEYS TO VICTORY

Stop (or Slow Down) Kaleb Johnson. After having an atrocious offense last season, Iowa is back to being respectable on the offensive side of the ball, especially when it comes to the run game. The Hawkeyes boast the #13 rushing offense in the nation. Starter Kaleb Johnson has rushed for 1,492 yards and 21 touchdowns this season, averaging 6.7 yards per carry. He is legitimately one of the best backs in the country. What’s more, Iowa is on their fourth starting quarterback of the season. While there have been some rumblings this week that Cade McNamara and/or Brendan Sullivan–both of whom have started games under center this year–would play on Friday, it sounds like Jackson Stratton will be the guy. Stratton attempted a total of 14 passes last weekend against Maryland, completing 10 for 76 yards. Considering the strength of Nebraska’s defense has been stopping the run all season long, this matchup should favor the Huskers. But it’s Iowa, so who knows. If the Big Red can contain Iowa’s run game, I like their chances to win the game.

More of That Offense, Please. Iowa teams of recent years have been known for great defense. Not just great defense – they have had some elite defensive units. This year’s Hawkeye defense is perhaps not quite as dominant as what we’ve seen in recent years, but they’re still very good. They come into the game ranked #17 nationally in total defense, #12 in scoring defense, and #26 in rushing defense. They have been susceptible to giving up the big play, and currently rank #41 in opponent yards per play, after finishing the 2023 season at #1 in that category.

What will we see out of Nebraska’s offensive unit this week? Are we going to see the squad that had its way with Wisconsin? Or will we see the unit that struggled to move the ball for most of the year? If new offensive coordinator Dana Holgorsen can sprinkle a little more magic on the Nebraska offense, perhaps they can get out to a lead and take Iowa out of their comfort zone.

Make Special Teams Special. Another defining characteristic of Iowa teams in recent years has been outstanding special teams play. On the other side of the equation, all Common Fans know that Nebraska’s special teams play has struggled for most of this season. That said, against Wisconsin, Jacorey Barney had a 45 yard kickoff return to set up Nebraska’s first scoring drive, and place kicker John Hohl was 3-for-3 on field goals. Progress.

Can someone make a game changing play against the Hawkeyes? Can the Huskers at least make sure special teams doesn’t hurt them on Friday?

COMMON FAN KEYS

Soak It In. This is painful to say, but it’s the first time in eight years that Nebraska will be playing Iowa with bowl eligibility already secured. Husker fans don’t have to hold our breath, stressing that the team’s postseason fate rides on this game. I’d love nothing more than to see the Big Red pick up where they left off against Wisconsin, come out and pummel the Hawkeyes. But whatever happens, this isn’t the end of the road for the Huskers.

At least for me, the Iowa game has emerged as a great Thanksgiving weekend tradition. Iowa is the closest thing we have to a rival since joining the Big Ten. Embrace it. Enjoy it. We’re going bowling this year, no matter what happens against Iowa. So load up with some leftover turkey and mashed potatoes, maybe an extra piece of pie, and enjoy the ride, Husker fans.

Going to Kinnick? Common Fan Podcast co-host Matty O was in the house for the Wisconsin game, and after the win, pulled the trigger on tickets for the Black Friday battle against Iowa. He and his son will be making the trek to Iowa City on Friday. That’s the impact of beating the Badgers, getting to bowl eligibility, and starting to believe in this program again.

Are any other Common Fans out there going to be in the house? Hats off to anyone representing the Big Red in enemy territory. And, if you are going to be there on Friday, we’d love to hear from you. Send us an email to commonfangbr@gmail.com or hit us up on social media (@commonfangbr on X) to share your experience. Send pictures, stories, smart remarks…whatever you’ve got! Let’s go 1-0 this week and beat those Hawkeyes!

As always, GBR for LIFE.

MORE: Nick Handley Show: Iowa Football Preview with the Des Moines Register’s Chad Leistikow

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MORE: Nebraska Football Recruiting: Lamarcus Barber Recaps Visit, Names Huskers Top Choice

MORE: 2026 Wide Receiver Blaise LaVista Details Nebraska Football Recruiting Visit

MORE: 2027 OT Reece Mallinger Details Nebraska Football Visit

Stay up to date on all things Huskers by bookmarking Nebraska Cornhuskers On SI, subscribing to HuskerMax on YouTube, and visiting HuskerMax.com daily.

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Iowa

Urquhart Sets Iowa’s Single-Season Aces Record at UCLA

Published

15 hours ago

November 28, 2024

Press Room

LOS ANGELES – Senior Michelle Urquhart set Iowa’s single-season service aces record in the Hawkeyes’ 3-1 loss to UCLA on Wednesday night at Pauley Pavilion. Iowa drops to 10-21 overall and 4-15 in the Big Ten.

Urquhart needed two aces to surpass the single-season rally scoring era record set by Becky Walters in 2010. With the third set tied at 10-10, Urquhart dropped in a soft serve to secure her 42nd ace on the season.

The senior from Virginia Beach, Virginia, also recorded a double-double, registering 13 kills and 12 digs. Freshman Dominique Phills and sophomore Hannah Whittingstall were in double-figures with 12 and 10 kills, respectively. Phills was a spark off the bench, drilling five kills in the opening set.

Senior libero Joy Galles notched a career high in digs, finishing with 24. She neared a double-double, tallying eight assists.

MATCH SUMMARY
SET ONE (UCLA, 25-23)
After trading points early on, the Hawkeyes strung together three consecutive points to take a 5-3 lead, courtesy of a kill and ace from Urquhart. UCLA answered with a run, pushing ahead 13-8. Phills was a spark off the bench, helping Iowa pull within two on several occasions. The Hawkeyes rallied all the way back in the opener, tying the set at 23-23 before the Bruins capitalized on back-to-back kills to win the set. UCLA had only one attacking error in the first set, while Iowa had seven.

SET TWO (UCLA, 25-11)
Despite gaining momentum at the end of the first set, Iowa fell behind 9-1 to begin the second. A timeout slowed the Bruins’ progress, but they gained early control of the set. Iowa chipped away in the middle of the set on terminations from Phills and UCLA errors. UCLA ended the set on a 5-0 run.

SET THREE (IOWA, 25-23)
Iowa quickly regrouped for a competitive set in the third. A kill from Whittingstall and ace from freshman Jenna Meitzler kept the pressure on UCLA early. Urquhart notched her record-setting ace, breaking a 10-10 tie in the third set. The teams headed into the media timeout with UCLA leading, 15-14. It wasn’t until late in the set before Iowa pulled away, using a 3-0 run to go up by two at 20-18, courtesy of kills from freshman Malu Garcia and Phills. After a UCLA timeout fueled back-to-back points for the Bruins, Iowa sealed the set with a kill from Whittingstall and error from UCLA.

Mickey’s record-setting ace! 💛#Hawkeyes pic.twitter.com/PlUu17YR2R
— Iowa Volleyball (@IowaVolleyball) November 28, 2024

𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗤𝘂𝗲𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗳 𝗔𝗰𝗲𝘀 👑
With Michelle’s second ace tonight, she has set the program record for service aces in a season during the rally scoring era (42).#Hawkeyes pic.twitter.com/fimM7XstTc
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— Iowa Volleyball (@IowaVolleyball) November 28, 2024

SET FOUR (UCLA, 25-15)
UCLA recovered and regained momentum, leading 6-2 to begin set four. A pair of kills from Urquhart and a termination from Garcia brought Iowa back within one at 7-6. The Hawkeyes stayed within striking distance but could not take the lead in the set. The Bruins used a run in the middle of the set to take control. A block from senior Anna Davis and Garcia stopped the run at 19-13. UCLA finished the set on a 5-1 run to win the match.

UP NEXT: Iowa heads across town for its season finale, battling No. 20 USC on Friday evening. First serve is set for 9 p.m. (CT) from the Galen Center. The match will be broadcast on B1G+ and the Hawkeye Radio Network.

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Iowa

Iowa Legend Sends Strong Message In Midst of Brutal Season

Published

23 hours ago

November 27, 2024

Press Room

Iowa Legend Sends Strong Message In Midst of Brutal Season

Former Iowa Hawkeyes star George Kittle is in the midst of what has to be the most trying season of his NFL career.

Kittle’s San Francisco 49ers—who were Super Bowl contenders heading into 2024—fell to just 5-6 with their loss to the Green Bay Packer this past Sunday, further hindering their playoff chances.

However, the tight end is not giving up hope in the midst of severe adversity.

“My optimism is not broken by any means,” Kittle told reporters. “We still have a lot of very talented players. We will get some guys back. And I still have full trust in the coaching staff to put our guys in position to make plays, and I got no worry about that. But definitely an uphill grind, and going to see what we’re made of, which I’m looking forward to.”

You have to love Kittle’s fighting spirit, but it seems hard to imagine the 49ers righting the ship in their current predicament.

San Francisco is dealing with a plethora of injury issues up and down the roster, which includes quarterback Brock Purdy, who missed the Packers game with a shoulder problem.

Kittle himself had a strong performance in Week 12, logging six catches for 82 yards and a touchdown. He has also been his usual impressive self overall this season, totaling 49 receptions for 642 yards and eight scores in nine appearances.

But not even Kittle can save the Niners from all of their current troubles.

The 49ers will face the Buffalo Bills in a matchup that could ultimately decide their playoff fate this Sunday.

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