CarbonND - Public Feedback

CarbonND: Supporting Ag, Energy, and You
North Dakota is known for, and extremely proud of its agriculture and energy production. As federal regulations continue to impose stricter standards on the oil, gas, biofuel, and coal industries, the state has seen a drastic increase in demand across all energy sectors for capturing, using, and permanently storing carbon dioxide (CO2) deep underground.

The North Dakota Advantage
North Dakota’s unique geology – the same underground rock formations that make oil and gas production so successful – is perfectly suited for the permanent, safe storage of CO2 more than a mile below the surface. In addition to helping our coal and gas plants meet federal regulations, a bustling CO2 industry will also provide significant tax and economic benefits to the state - and can help exponentially extend the life of North Dakota oil fields through enhanced oil recovery (EOR).

A Long History With CO2
While carbon capture is currently making the headlines – it’s not new. Underground CO2 capture for enhanced oil recovery (EOR) began in western Texas in 1972. North Dakota has also been at the forefront of studying and implementing carbon capture, utilization, and storage initiatives for more than 20 years.

Today, there are three active CO2 storage projects operating in the state (near Underwood, Beulah, and Richardton), with more on the horizon. There are also two CO2 pipelines (more than 200 miles) transporting CO2 both in and out of the state. The first carries CO2 from the Great Plains Synfuels plant in Beulah, northwest past Tioga, and into Canada. It has been operational since the early 2000s. The second carries CO2 from Wyoming to the Bowman area for enhanced oil recovery.

Your Feedback is Important
As residents of North Dakota, your feedback is invaluable in shaping our ongoing efforts to safely and effectively capture, use, and store CO2 in the state. We invite you to share your thoughts, experiences, and questions related to carbon capture in North Dakota by completing this form.

1. What have you heard about carbon capture? What do you know about it?

2. Carbon Dioxide (CO2) is a non-flammable, non-explosive, naturally occurring gas. It is exhaled by humans every time you breathe, and is used in hundreds of products including soda, dry ice, and fire extinguishers. It should not be confused with Carbon Monoxide (CO) - which is a dangerous gas produced by burning fuels in gas appliances, fireplaces, grills, and automobiles.

Do you have any thoughts, questions, or concerns about CO2 being stored permanently at least a mile underground in North Dakota?

3. Did you know that CO2 has been safely transported by pipelines in the U.S. for more than 50 years, and in North Dakota for nearly 25 years?

What are your thoughts, questions, or concerns about CO2 traveling through underground pipes in the state?

4. Are you familiar with current CO2 pipelines and on-site carbon capture projects within the state, or have you heard any concerns or issues with these active projects? Please describe.

5. Are you familiar with the federal regulations that require lowering carbon emissions (particularly for oil, gas, and coal industries) and/or the low carbon fuel and energy standards that are in place in significant markets including California and Canada?

Do you have any concerns about the effects on local farmers, North Dakota ethanol plants, oil and gas production, and the potential job loss if those industries are unable to compete in a low-carbon market or are regulated to the point of no longer being able to operate?

6. Have you heard about enhanced oil recovery (EOR) through carbon capture as a way to extend the life of partially depleted oil wells, such as in the Bakken oilfield, by several decades?

What thoughts, questions, or concerns do you have about this type of use for CO2?

7. Have you heard about direct air capture, where CO2 is taken from the air and stored securely underground or transported for other uses?

What thoughts, questions, or concerns do you have about this type of CO2 capture/storage initiative?

8. North Dakota energy and industrial projects generate significant tax revenue for local counties and cities.

How would you like to see additional future revenues used to improve the region?

9. What additional feedback do you have about carbon capture, CO2 pipelines or enhanced oil recovery?