A CO2 pipeline rupture in Yazoo County Mississippi in February 2020. (Yazoo County Emergency Management Agency)
An article from Earthjustice on September 4, 2024, highlights the severe risks associated with CO2 pipelines, which are expanding rapidly due to increased carbon capture and storage (CCS) initiatives. CO2 pipelines, used to transport captured carbon dioxide from polluting facilities to storage sites, have caused health emergencies and can be deadly if they rupture. The incident in Satartia, Mississippi, where a CO2 pipeline leak led to sickness and unconsciousness among residents, underscores the need for better regulation.
Current federal regulations for CO2 pipelines are insufficient. The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) needs to update its rules to address the unique dangers of CO2, such as its tendency to displace oxygen and cause rapid asphyxiation. The proposed updates should include comprehensive safety measures, clear impact zones, and stricter oversight to prevent future incidents. Earthjustice urges prompt action from the Biden administration to ensure community safety and environmental protection.
A CO2 pipeline rupture in Yazoo County Mississippi in February 2020. (Yazoo County Emergency Management Agency)
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