ABERDEEN, S.D.(HubCityRadio)- On Wednesday, the South Dakota Public Utilities Commission voted 3-0 against Navigator’s request for construction of CO2 pipeline mainly in southeast South Dakota.  We got reactions from the Executive Director for Smart Carbon Network, Joe Heinrich & District 3 Representative Brandei Schaefbauer.

We’ll begin with Joe Heinrich who gave his overall thoughts on the PUC decision.

Heinrich commented on the setbacks that the PUC allowed Minnehaha & Moody to use.

Heinrich express concerns about releasing plume studies to the general public.

Heinrich reminds everyone that CO2 can cause injuries but not fatalities.

Heinrich discuss how the PUC express more concerns about safety & welfare over monetary gains

Heinrich discuss what Summit Carbon Solutions needs to be more transparent when they have their hearing with the PUC.

Representative Brandi Schaefbauer talks about how landowners are pleased with the decision, but emphasize that more work needs to be done.

Schaefbauer believes one of the reasons the PUC rejected it was Navigator’s group reluctant to provide all the information.

Schaefbauer believe all safety studies needs to be released to the PUC for them to consider.

PUC allowed Minnehaha & Moody to keep their ordinances with regards to setbacks.  Schaefbauer believes this should bode well for the northern counties who have setbacks in place.

PUC’s decision on Navigator didn’t change Schaefbauer’s mind of a need for a special session.

Summit Carbon Solutions hearing with the PUC begins Monday.