Page 42 2023 Fall Farm Outlook Lincoln Daily News Oct 2023 of Commerce and Economic Opportunity regarding the current and future local, Statewide, or regional economic effect, direct or indirect, of the proposed pipeline or facility including, but not limited to, ability of the State to attract economic growth, meet future energy requirements, and ensure compliance with environmental requirements and goals; (D) any evidence addressing the factors described in items (1) through (8) of this subsection (b) or other relevant factors that is presented by any other State agency, the applicant, a party, or other entity that participates in the proceeding, including evidence presented by the Commission’s staff; and (E) any evidence presented by any State or federal governmental entity as to how the proposed pipeline will affect the security, stability, and reliability of energy. In its written order, the Commission shall address all of the evidence presented, and if the order is contrary to any of the evidence, the Commission shall state the reasons for its determination with regard to that evidence. In Logan County there is a group that is actively campaigning against CO2 pipeline construction in our community. The group is basing their case on several of the abovementioned items. There are concerns that the presence of the pipeline will have a negative impact on land values, on population, and economic development. They have also voiced concerns about pipeline ruptures which do happen. Darren Schempp presented a case against the pipeline publicly referring to an eruption in Mississippi in 2021 and the devastating impact it had on that community. He based his argument on facts that have been documented by various news sources including accounts from people who experienced the event. CO2 in the pipeline is a highly concentrated product that instantly turns into an odorless gas when introduced back into the atmosphere. That gas is heavier than the air we breathe, therefore it does not rise and evaporate, but rather it stays at ground level and spreads. As a result, the oxygen in the air is pushed up and replaced by the gas. The gas is an asphyxiant that will move into the lungs and make it impossible to breathe. At the right levels a person will become unconscious, and death can occur. In addition, the oxygen needed by combustible engines such as in cars, trucks and emergency vehicles is not available, and those vehicles will not run, making it difficult for first responders to reach and assist those who are in the line of the gas stream. Additional concerns have been voiced by the group regarding the act of sequestration. The concern is that the gas that is released into an underground storage could move, and in that movement it could contaminate water supplies. These are valid concerns that the group is asking the county board to act upon. Other concerns that have been raised are Continued --
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