Earthjustice Applauds Proposed Rule to Improve Safety of CO2 Pipelines

Earthjustice Applauds Proposed Rule to Improve Safety of CO2 Pipelines

CO₂ pipelines pose significant safety hazards to communities and the environment

Contacts

Alexandria Trimble, [email protected]

Today, the U.S. Department of Transportation, Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) released a proposed rule to better protect communities near carbon dioxide (CO₂) pipelines.

Hana Vizcarra, senior attorney at Earthjustice, released the following statement in response:

"We applaud PHMSA for taking this important step towards fulfilling its overdue obligation to update CO₂ pipeline safeguards. Improving CO₂ pipeline safety is essential as carbon capture technologies become more frequently used, increasing risk for thousands of communities in potential pipeline rupture and leak impact zones. We look forward to working with PHMSA to finalize strong standards and encourage PHMSA to engage directly with communities living on the frontlines of the CO₂ pipeline buildout as they refine this proposal."

Background

Pipeline companies are planning to build out a network of CO₂ pipelines throughout the Midwest and Gulf Coast regions. But CO₂ pipelines pose significant safety hazards to communities and the environment.

The unique physical properties of CO₂ create a higher likelihood of a pipeline opening up like a zipper when a rupture occurs, leading to more gas being released over a shorter period of time and potentially violent and dangerous pipe shrapnel.

CO₂ is an asphyxiant that's heavier than air. When a CO₂ pipeline ruptures, it can cause serious health problems and even suffocate people and animals. In large quantities, CO₂ can cause vehicles to stop working, trapping cars trying to evacuate and preventing emergency responders from reaching impacted communities.

About Earthjustice

Earthjustice is the premier nonprofit environmental law organization. We wield the power of law and the strength of partnership to protect people's health, to preserve magnificent places and wildlife, to advance clean energy, and to combat climate change. We are here because the earth needs a good lawyer.