Approximately 50 landowners and concerned citizens attended a meeting last week at The Table in Wayne to learn more about a proposed carbon (CO2) pipeline.
The pipeline could cross portions of Wayne county and adjoining counties in northeast Nebraska. It would involve approximately 22 miles of Wayne county.
Jane Kleeb with BOLD Nebraska and Tom Genung with Nebrask Easement Action Team (N.E.A.T.)spoke to the group on past experiences with attempts to install pipelines in Nebraska.
Kleeb told those in attendance at last week's meeting that while "I believe in climate change, I don't believe carbon pipelines are the answer."
She shared information on the dangers of pipelines and the impact should the CO2 leak.
"There are no set-back requirements in Nebraska and the pipeline can get close to neighbor's property. Also, the landowner assumes the liability should any leaks occur."
Kleeb also discussed several types of easements and noted that permanent is for a lifetime, limiting what the landowner can do with the property and exposing the landowner to a lifetime of risk.
Kleeb said BOLD Nebraska has stopped five pipelines so far in the state of Nebraska.
Those in attendance at the meeting learned that pipelines often follow electric power lines, but there is no agency in the state reviewing the route and there are no set rules on the process moving forward.
The topic of eminent domain was also addressed, especially when used by a private company, rather than a government entity.
"The pipeline companies say they plan to start building in 2023 or 2024, but they have to go through other states that do have regulations in place and this will take longer," Kleeb said.
One of those expressing concern about the proposed pipeline is Shelli L. Meyer, who grew up on a farm in Wayne county. She noted she is "protecting my fourth generation farm and my lifelong neighbors, which include my cousins."
Meyer now lives in Iowa and has done extensive research on CO2 pipelines and the methods used to secure land for these pipelines.
She and representatives of N.E.A.T. handed out packets of information from Iowa and South Dakota and from an insurance company discussing property owners' liability should a pipeline be built on their property.
In addition to the meeting held in Wayne, informational meetings were held in Columbus, Norfolk and Grand Island last week.
More information on N.E.A.T. can be found at www.NebraskaEasement.org
