Family at Sunset
  • Approval will help ethanol producers meet growing demand for low-carbon fuels
  • Strengthens marketplace for farmers, preserves corn demand
  • Contributes to emissions reduction goals and fosters energy innovation.

BISMARCK, NDConsumer Energy Alliance (CEA) today applauded the North Dakota Public Service Commission (PSC) for its unanimous approval of the route permit for Midwest Carbon Express, a critical infrastructure project designed to safely transport and sequester carbon dioxide emissions from more than 50 ethanol plants across the Midwest.

“Safely capturing, transporting, and storing the carbon dioxide emissions from ethanol plants across the Midwest will ensure our farmers have a sustainable market for their corn crops into the future,” said Chris Ventura, Consumer Energy Alliance Midwest Executive Director. “Building on the ethanol industry’s history of innovation, capturing carbon emissions at these facilities will play an important role in reducing our dependence on imported energy while also lowering emissions.”

The Midwest Carbon Express represents another landmark initiative in carbon capture and storage, demonstrating how the agriculture and energy sectors can align to advance sustainability and economic growth. By capturing carbon dioxide emissions, this pipeline will:

  • Help ethanol producers meet growing demand for low-carbon fuels.
  • Strengthen the marketplace for farmers by maintaining the economic viability of ethanol production, a key driver of corn demand.
  • Contribute to emissions reduction goals while fostering North Dakota’s leadership in energy innovation.

The project has been developed with significant stakeholder collaboration, as Summit Carbon Solutions has secured more than 82% of necessary easements in North Dakota, including feedback-driven route adjustments to accommodate local landowners’ concerns.

This decision underscores the potential of carbon capture and storage technologies to balance economic growth and environmental stewardship, ensuring the Midwest remains a hub for both agricultural excellence and energy innovation.

“We applaud the PSC’s thorough review and commitment to balancing economic opportunities with stakeholder needs,” Ventura said. “This project provides a pathway for farmers, businesses, and communities to lead in both sustainability and economic competitiveness.”

For more information on CEA’s efforts to promote sensible carbon management solutions, visit consumerenergyalliance.org/capturing-carbon.

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About Consumer Energy Alliance
Consumer Energy Alliance (CEA) is the leading voice for sensible energy and environmental policies for consumers, bringing together families, farmers, small businesses, distributors, producers, and manufacturers to support America’s environmentally sustainable energy future. With more than 550,000 members nationwide, we are committed to leading the nation’s dialogue around energy, its critical role in the economy, and how it supports the vital supply chains for the families and businesses that depend on them. CEA works daily to encourage communities across the nation to seek sensible, realistic, and environmentally responsible solutions to meet our nation’s energy needs.

Contact:
Bryson Hull
(202) 657-2855
bhull@consumerenergyalliance.org