CO2 Pipeline Rupture
Satartia Miss .
Denbury Gulf CO2 Pipeline
SOURCE : REXTAG
MISSISSIPPI EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY / PHMSA
Vehicle is Parked on HWY 433 outside of Satartia , Miss ., where a CO₂ transport pipeline carrying liquefied CO₂ ruptured in 2020 , leading to the evacuation of over 200 residents and hospitalization of over 40 . The white is ice generated by the release of pressurized CO₂ .
regulations specific to emergency response , conversion of service , dispersion modeling , and leak detection and reporting . Based on public comments , other topics which may be addressed by PHMSA could include , among others , standards for impurities and odorization .
The Office of Management and Budget is currently reviewing PHMSA ’ s proposed rule , a review initiated in February 2024 . As of this writing , the proposed rule was likely to be published at the end of 2024 or early 2025 , although the change in administrations may impact the timeline for the proposed rule and , ultimately , the content as well .
Multiple states have considered issuing moratoriums on CO2 pipeline projects , and California and Illinois passed laws establishing such moratoriums until PHMSA finalizes its rule . California allows for the state to pass its own regulations and the Illinois moratorium expires after a certain time has passed .
In addition , Congress is reauthorizing the Pipeline Safety Act in 2025 and current proposals floated by the House and Senate have addressed CO2 pipeline regulation in varying degrees . Industry trade groups have tried to fill the gap left by PHMSA ’ s slow march to updated regulations , such as the development of the “ Carbon Dioxide Emergency Response Tactical Guidance ” by API and the Liquid Energy Petroleum Association , to provide best practices for preparedness and initial response to a release of CO2 . Meanwhile , some local governments have responded by attempting to put ordinances in place to establish their own moratoriums or to limit development , such as in Iowa and Illinois .
Challenges for CO2 Project Proponents In 2021-2022 , several large CO2 pipelines were proposed in the Midwest as part of larger CCS projects , aiming to reduce CO2 emissions . Opposition to those projects and / or the development of CO2 pipelines more generally has worked at federal , state and local levels to leverage the Satartia incident and the fact that the PHMSA has not yet issued updated regulations for CO2 pipelines .
On the other hand , pipeline proponents are facing challenges and have been hampered by the lack of clarity regarding CO2 pipeline safety regulation and the failure of PHMSA to expeditiously update its regulations , despite climate goals and DOE funding to incentivize such projects .
Existing and proposed projects face challenges with respect to permitting , other necessary regulatory approvals and possibly funding unless or until PHMSA issues a final rule . The “ one government ” approach should support these projects to meet the nation ’ s climate goals as well as provide additional jobs and other economic benefits .
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