The third day of PUC hearings on Navigator CO2’s application to build the Heartland Greenway pipeline began with questions for union representative witnesses.
Union representatives pointed to many strengths they believed they would bring to the pipeline building process, while opponents raised questions about previous pipeline projects they were involved with.
Navigator is looking to build a pipeline that would transport carbon dioxide from ethanol plants across the Midwest, including several in South Dakota, to be stored underground in Illinois.
The PUC must approve the project before it can move forward in South Dakota. The ongoing hearings in Pierre will play a major role in the PUC's final decision.
Three union witnesses representing different skill sets testified in front of the commission Thursday. Each witness presented their area of expertise in building pipelines.
The representatives argued they offer the best pipe building services available in the country. They also say it is common for union workers to travel with their families, brining more economic drivers to the state.
Brain Jorde is legal representation for landowners in the application by Navigator. He said the same union members proposing to build the pipeline are unaware of issues in their past pipeline projects.
Jorde also quested how many South Dakota residents would end up being a part of the project, noting it is common practice for union workers to be assigned to work outside of their home state.
Jorde said the lack of guarantee that South Dakota resident union members would work on the pipeline shows a lack of benefit from the building of pipeline.
PUC testimony will continue through the next week.
